Leading UP

How do you lead UP?

How do you effect decisions, or shape outcomes, from the position you hold?

We are all called to be people of influence right where we are... regardless of whether we feel our decisions impact a few... or many more.

When we're not the top, or final, decision maker in our ministry, or institution, it can feel like our opinions don't count. That our vision is less important. That what we believe might even be wrong, because it conflicts with those who do have the final decision making authority.

The reality is that you don't need to have the final say to be someone who influences people, ministries, institutions, etc. in profound ways.

It's called leading UP.

This is when we tactfully and strategically approach those above us the org chart with the hope and intention of helping them consider something different... a new initiative, direction, redirection, position, posture, etc. This can be an intimidating prospect, but one through which God might choose to work and move in powerful ways.

In attempting to lead UP, I think there are a few essentials we must keep in mind:

1. Be prayerful - It's amazing how receptive people can be when we've asked the Lord to create receptive space on one side of the conversation, and a right heart on the other. It's just as important that we pray for God to grant us with the appropriate heart and words - if not more so - than for the receptive ears on the other side.
2. Be humble - It's important to remember that your boss, supervisor, advisor, etc., is someone who has been placed in their position for a reason - even if you don't believe them to be the best person for the role... It's important that we recognize that God was at work in our setting long before we/others showed up.
3. Be confident - Keeping points 1 and 2 in mind, we need to approach our supervisor with confidence - fully believing that what we have to say truly needs to be said/heard. If we don't believe what we're saying... there's no way that they will. Likely, in hearing us out, the people we're attempting to influence are trying to discern whether or not they can go - in confidence - and convince anyone who may raise questions that what YOU have suggested is, in deed, the best way forward.
4. Find the right time - Timing is key. In the right place, at the right time, most people will be willing to listen to what you have to say. If, however, you approach them in the wrong place, at the wrong time, you could be jeopardizing whatever influence you may have had with this person simply because you inconvenienced and/or embarrassed them.
5. Be prepared - If we are going to be influential - or give our supervisors reason to listen well to what we have to say - we don't dare waste their time with passion-filled pleas that are not supported by evidence, or even theories, that support something other than what is currently being considered.

Being a person of influence often means that we are willing to follow the leading of Jesus, out of a place of safety, and into some the vulnerable position of going against the flow of the tide.

What about you?

Do you desire to be a person of influence?

How do you lead UP?

Is there anything that you think needs to be considered in trying to lead UP?