Leading Up

     It is common to read about leading down as most articles and educational material focus on leading your team. I thought it may be a good idea to discuss the concept of leading up as this is equally important to the success of a leader.
     So what does leading up mean exactly? I assure you it does not mean tell your boss what to do! That is a fast way of leading yourself out of a job. Leading up means that you have the ability to impact your boss in the same way you impact your team. You can influence your team and their environment in a positive or negative way based on your actions—just like your boss. So in the same way that you focus on being a better leader to those who report to you, you need to commit the same level of energy to being a better leader to those that you report to.
     You can influence your boss in a positive way by making her job easier. Be proactive. Offer solutions to problems. Let your boss know of upcoming obstacles or challenges. Keep your boss informed so she is not caught off guard by her boss regarding a potential issue. Offer to take work off of her plate. Offer yourself as a sounding board and provide honest and candid feedback.
     The examples above are fairly easy to execute if you focus on leading up. However, leading up at times can become difficult. There will be times where you have to commit to helping your boss at the risk of frustrating her. When this risk exists be frank and communicate that you’re aware of how this may make her feel but that you’re doing it in her best interest. You have to have the confidence that your boss has you in the position you are in to help them meet the overall objective of the department, division, or company. In essence, it is your job to help your boss—especially in difficult times.
     This may consist of having strong discussion about the direction of your department, the resources you need, executing or not executing discipline of your team members, just to name a few. These types of conversations are never easy and require you to work with your boss to identify the best option. Your boss may not see what you see as easily as she is more removed from the day to day operations. Practical items to remember when having these types of strategy sessions are:

• Remain calm
• Clearly state your position
• Demonstrate why you have the position you do
• Articulate the impact of your and your boss’ decisions
• Offer different ways of highlighting your position to help facilitate understanding
• Ask questions so you can better understand your boss’ position
• Treat your boss with respect at all times and understand that she is in authority
• Don’t give up; your boss is counting on you to find the best possible solution!

     Pat Williams in his book “The Leadership Wisdom of Solomon” states, “To fulfill your leadership potential, you must demonstrate the qualities that leaders value: sincerity, integrity, a strong work ethic, respect for authority, gratitude, and gracious communication.” If you seek and practice these values, you will be very successful at leading up and ultimately providing value to your organization—and your boss!