Swedish “lagom” leadership – is it really unique?
Swedes may not be prone to boasting, but we do tend to take pride in our leadership model and the success it seems to breed. But is Swedish leadership really that different – some might even use the word unique? And would leaders who weren’t brought up with a “Swedish mindset” agree? To find out, we interviewed David Moreno – Head of Strategic Programs Practice at Swedish telecom giant Ericsson.
David Moreno was raised and educated in Spain and he has had an extensive career with both Swedish and international companies, for instance in the Netherlands, Tanzania, The Democratic Republic of Congo, and the US. David relocated to Sweden in 2009 and is now the Head of Strategic Programs Practice at Swedish telecom company Ericsson as well as being enrolled in the Stockholm School of Economics MBA Executive Format. A well-suited background to give insights on how Swedish leadership compares to the leadership styles of other countries.
Swedes will sometimes refer to their leadership culture as “leadership the lagom way”, claiming amongst other things that it is less hierarchical. Would you agree on that perception, David?
Yes, it really is less hierarchical. Leadership in other countries is largely about setting goals and following up to make sure employees are delivering and it’s “my way or the highway”. There is typically a high organizational distance in other cultures.
But in Sweden, the manager’s role is more like that of a football coach. You guide and support, and a lot revolves around making sure everyone has the possibility to contribute to best reach the goal.
From your own experiences of international corporations, would you say is it positive or negative to work in a Swedish leadership culture, compared to what you’re used to?
I would definitely say it is positive. Sure, it can feel a bit maddening at times: does everyone really need to have an opinion? Do we need one meeting to agree to have another meeting where we agree to have yet another meeting where we finally discuss content?
But, I’m nevertheless convinced that the Swedish leadership model is better. Of course, it can sometimes take a bit longer to really get started. But once you do get alignment in the group (the famous consensus) and everyone understands the goals and one’s own role in reaching them, it is very powerful and very little can stop the process. It’s like a huge, unstoppable cargo ship plying through the ocean. And it’s pretty cool to see.
He continues:
Leadership in other countries can be perceived as more straightforward and effective, but I have experienced how it can be the opposite. The boss decides how things should be but, after the meeting, everyone goes off and thinks and acts differently anyway.
There are upsides and downsides, of course, but I’d still choose the Swedish model ahead of others.
Have you noticed any other aspects of Swedish leadership that you consider to be different or unique?
Swedish management culture is much more empathetic or, for lack of a better word, respectful. You make efforts not to hurt or upset employees and feedback is given constantly and in a way that is constructive. You tend to forget this in other places.”
I generally think that’s a good thing, but sometimes it can feel a bit much when people bend over backwards to avoid saying something that might be perceived as hurtful. This is an area where perhaps I’m not completely “Swedi-fied “, as my co-workers say I’m not afraid to address difficult and sensitive questions head-on.
Having worked in Sweden and for Swedish companies for several years now – have you noticed any changes in the Swedish leadership model during that period?
Yes, actually. I see Swedes increasingly influenced by the American mentality. I think I’ve seen a trend towards more individualistic, competitive thinking, with more focus on words like “winning” and “beating competition”. Winning is of course important but we shouldn’t underestimate the power of “cooperation”, “communities” and “networks”.
In my opinion, the Swedish leadership culture should be protected and be something other countries can observe and adopt.
Note: The original article with David Moreno was first published on www.thelocal.com, in autumn 2017. Image credit: Ericsson
“Leadership in other countries can be perceived as more straightforward and effective, but I have experienced how it can be the opposite. The boss decides how things should be but, after the meeting, everyone goes off and thinks and acts differently anyway.”
David Moreno, Ericsson
