Lead Up!

Influence can be spread positively or negatively, the choice is dependent upon the intent.

Nicole Atchley

At some point a person comes to terms with not getting the leadership position they truly desire. This can be for a number of reasons. Some organizations like to hire new people from outside of the organization to bring in a fresh perspective. For others it may be because they lack the leadership skills or education for the next position. Whatever the reason, you as the employee must decide to stay in the organization or leave. If you choose to stay how can you ensure that you are an integral part of the organization?  

That new supervisor that was hired, doesn’t have all the answers and should not pretend to. They may not be the subject matter expert in your particular department, the way you are.  The easy way out is to talk about the supervisor. To disregard the positive ways they lead the team and the attentiveness paid to employees issues and concerns. You can choose bitterness and or anger or you can choose to lead up.

Leading up is an important part of fostering healthy relationships within a team and adding to mission success. Every person in a supervisory role is not an expert, the experts are the team members that do the job day in and day out. People can display expertise and knowledge in various areas throughout organizations. It is each persons job to play their part and contribute to the overall mission; to achieve organizational goals. Knowing and understanding your value is important when spreading influence across the organization. Influence can be spread positively or negatively, the choice is dependent upon the intent. 

There is nothing wrong with leading and guiding your supervisors to success. Their success is your success and vice versa. Guide that supervisor so that they can be the best version of themselves. Show them the parts of the job that they may not understand and want to learn. Don’t think of them wanting help as a time to make a dig at them, help them. They can be great at leading people but the best leaders know when to allow their subordinates to help.

I have had the pleasure of leading people from various backgrounds and age groups. Being far younger then many I have always leaned on my older staff members to help guide me through situations that their lifelong experiences can help me with. These people didn’t look at me differently because I asked for help, they respected me for it and followed me for it. 

Nicole Atchley, LLC