Riding the Bucking Bronco: Leading Through Hybrid Chaos
In the world of leadership and project management, there’s a spectrum that defines how work gets done. On one end, you have centralized control: rigid timelines, specific deliverables, tightly managed processes. On the other, near-anarchy: fully decentralized teams sprinting in different directions, each with energy and initiative—but not always aligned in vision or outcomes.
Most of us live somewhere in between.
We’re currently leading a data transformation effort that leans into a hybrid approach. Organizations across the enterprise are moving fast—faster than we could ever hope to control in a traditional, top-down way. And that’s a good thing. Momentum is precious. But unchecked, that speed can fracture into misalignment, duplicated effort, or wasted resources.
So our leadership model is part air traffic control, part rodeo rider.
We set “left and right limits”—clear boundaries for what’s acceptable, what’s aligned with the mission, and what will lead us off course. Within those limits, we give teams autonomy. They move quickly, make decisions, and adapt solutions to their needs. Our job is to hold on tight, guide gently when needed, and keep the broader direction in sight.
Internally, we’ve joked that it feels like riding a bucking bronco. The beast is powerful, unpredictable, and wild—but it’s moving. Our role is to stay on, encourage forward motion, and do everything in our power to keep it from crashing into the fence.
This hybrid model isn’t easy. It requires constant communication, relentless listening, and the humility to know when to intervene—and when to step aside. But it empowers people. It fosters ownership. And when it works, it produces transformation that’s fast, resilient, and deeply rooted across the organization.
In an environment where the need for change is urgent and the path forward is uncertain, riding the bronco might be the best way to go.
We’d love to hear from you.
Have you led or worked within a similar hybrid model? What worked, what didn’t—and what advice would you share for staying on the bronco without getting thrown off? Drop your thoughts, stories, or suggestions in the comments below.