Episode 34: Principles of Leading Up
“Sometimes those above you just don’t yet see what must be done, and your calling is to spark their attention and move them along a course of change before it is too late.” Michael Useem
1. Leaders Look at Themselves First
Your attitude matters more than anything else when you are talking about leadership.
Thoughts and actions matter. And, your thoughts are going to influence your actions, even if you don't think that they will, or you think you are...
Episode 34: Principles of Leading Up
“Sometimes those above you just don’t yet see what must be done, and your calling is to spark their attention and move them along a course of change before it is too late.” Michael Useem
1. Leaders Look at Themselves First
Your attitude matters more than anything else when you are talking about leadership.
Thoughts and actions matter. And, your thoughts are going to influence your actions, even if you don't think that they will, or you think you are good enough to mask what you “really feel.”
Do you look introspectively at yourself?
If you think that you are doing everything right, and that there is just a bunch of mess around you, and that everybody else does everything wrong, then you probably want to check your attitude.
Look inward first, fix yourself, and fix your attitude.
2. Leaders Lighten the Load of Others
When your boss wins, the organization wins.
Do you know your bosses goals?
If you understand your boss’s goals, you will be able to deliver the support that they need to accomplish the bigger picture.
Have potential solutions ready for your boss.
Never bring your boss a problem without bringing him or her at least two or three potential solutions.
Do you want to be an asset to your boss? They should be able to count on you to get things done, help them get their job done, and always be a person that brings solutions to the table.
3. Leaders Lean Towards the Mundane Tasks
If you can learn to embrace the stuff that nobody else wants to do, you are going to make yourself indispensable as an asset to the company.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: They Call Me Coach, John Wooden
John Wooden exemplified a culture of servant leadership. He did what others were obviously not wanting to do.
BOOK RECOMMENDATION: The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization, John Maxwell
No matter where you are on the totem pole, you have to be ready to tackle whatever is thrown at you.
If your boss asks you to do something that is within your purview and your expertise, it is your job to figure out the problem, solve them, and get the job done.
You have to be willing to lead, and become a better leader.
“Managers work with processes, leaders work with people.” - John Maxwell
Every decision that you make is going to affect somebody else.
If you want to become a rockstar wherever you work, become the person who solves conflict between people.
It's always about people.
MO’s Final Thoughts
People are not going to want to go along with your ideas, solutions, or whatever, if they don't have chemistry with you.
Do your due diligence to get things done and put yourself in a position to have an intelligent conversation to give your boss information that he or she needs, so that they can make a decision, and let you continue to get your job done.
Remember, as John Wooden always says, “failing to prepare is preparing to fail.” Be the person that your leader can look to and be confident that you will be the one person who makes their life easier.
Amazon Book Links:
Leading Up: How to Lead Your Boss So You Both Win, Michael Useem - https://amzn.to/3BYcIGL
They Call Me Coach, John Wooden - https://amzn.to/3rJkhfD
The 360 Degree Leader: Developing Your Influence from Anywhere in the Organization, John Maxwell - https://amzn.to/3BVNo4a
Special thanks to:
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