Serious Miscalculations That Can Cost You Your Leadership: #2 and # 3
When we lead in the middle, there are many opportunities for success. There are also opportunities for failure. Some failures result from miscalculations that, if noticed, could have been prevented. NASA’s Mars Climate Orbiter is an example of an unnoticed and uncorrected miscalculation that sent the orbiter flying past Mars instead of landing on Mars. Some say prevention begins with awareness. Being aware of the possibility of miscalculations is critical because it can prevent a failure before it happens.
In navigating their role in the middle of an organization, middle leaders can make miscalculations that can cost them their leadership. As we discussed in the prior post, miscalculating the impact of leading-up can be a critical error for a middle leader. In today’s post we will discuss miscalculations 1 and 2.
Miscalculation #2: Spending too much time “eyeing the top” instead of leading.
The phrase “eyeing the top” is a good description of someone who is constantly looking for advancement. Maybe you have experience with a leader who is not present in their leadership position because they are looking to get to the top instead of leading where they are. Of course, there is nothing wrong with wanting to advance. The healthy desire for advancement can lead to innovation and growth. But when the desire for advancement becomes the main reason for leading, it can be harmful to the leader, those they lead and the organization.
Researchers speak of the benefits of mindfulness or being present. The person who is present focuses on the moment and the activities at hand. If a person is present, they can more effectively face the joys and challenges of life. This applies to middle leadership as well. The middle leader who is focused on leading where they are, will be better prepared to face the challenges of leadership. On the other hand, the middle leader who is “eyeing the top” is setting themselves up for failure.
While maintaining a healthy perspective on advancement, one can also maintain a healthy perspective on leading where they are. A position in the middle of an organization can be a very good place to be. Due to their position, the middle leader can positively impact the people they lead. At its core, leadership is all about people. Also, because of their influence, middle leaders can have a positive impact on the organization. Finally, because of their vantage point, middle leaders can develop the following 3 crucial leadership tools.
Reputation: A good reputation combined with influence can be a powerful force in an organization.
Insight: The middle leader is well positioned to have good insight into how the whole organization functions.
Voice: Imagine what can be done when a leader who has a good reputation, influence, and insight into how the organization functions, also has the opportunity to be heard? A position in the middle of an organization really can be a great place to be.
So, though the top may look awfully good from the middle of the organization, keep in mind that the middle of the organization looks great from below. Middle leadership offers excellent opportunities for growth and development as well as allowing the opportunity for voice and organizational impact. Keeping these advantages in mind can help the middle leader to be present, stay focused and enjoy the whole experience of leading in the middle. Now on to miscalculation #3!
Miscalculation #3: Underestimating your value to the organization.
I don’t know of anyone who wishes to be undervalued. But, I do know more than a few middle leaders who underestimate their own value to the organizations. The following merits stating over and over: as a middle leader, you are the link between the hopes, dreams, and mission of the organization and the day to day carrying out of those hopes, dreams, and mission. Though someone may undervalue you or your position, without middle leadership most organizations would grind to a screeching halt!
Let me encourage you today. Never underestimate your value to the organization or your worth as a person. Keep working on becoming a better middle leader by: developing your skills, expanding your relational network, learning, observing, processing, analyzing, following and leading.
Don’t allow the miscalculations of leading-up, eyeing the top, or underestimating your value to the organization cost you your leadership. Leading in the middle is one of the best places to lead.