Leader(less) Leaders
December 13th, 2008 in Uncategorized. 1 Comment
Are you one of these? Unfortunately, this is more common than you would think. They’re all around us- mid managers, entrepreneurs, start-up founders, senior executives- up and coming leaders, seasoned leaders, young and old. It doesn’t matter where- you’ll find Leaders who have no leader to follow.
Maybe you’ve find yourself in an organization where your boss or board or elders or manager is non-existent. Not willing to make decisions and not willing to effectively lead you. What to do? Well, a couple of thoughts. First- LEAD up. Find ways to influence not just your peers and those who work for you, but also influence this person above you. Positionally they are your superior, but that doesn’t mean you can’t lead them. Second, don’t wait on someone else to create vision, direction and strategy for the team or organization. Create your own and move forward. This is paramount. It doesn’t lessen your loyalty or commitment to your boss, it only enhances it. Remember, without vision, your people and your team will struggle (perish).
1 Comment
Justin Dean
December 14, 2008 at 9:55 pm
Good Post Brad!
Unfortunately this is infinitely easier to write about then it is to actually do. I am not dissing you at all, Im just saying that leading up sucks!!
I have been leading up for several years. I cast vision for an organization that is not my own. I determine the strategy, I set the meetings, I create the systems… and it sucks!! Many positive things are happening around me but it just feels weird. The people recognize it. It is the elephant in the room.
It feels like I am raising someone else’s kid. Who am I to determine the direction of this church? How can I set the core values? How can I lead my pastor?
I remember what Jim Collins said at Catalyst this year. “Who you work for is way more important than where you work.”
He then dropped the bombshell of an answer to the question, “When should I leave my church/place of employment?
— “When you start asking that question.”
I know it may sound cliche but I have stuck my hands over my eyes/ears a thousand times and repeated the mantra, “I work for Jesus, not any man!” It is the only way that I can do what I am currently doing. It is how I lead up without giving up.