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 we don’t need to have the final say to be people 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 on 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:
- 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.
- Be humble – It’s important to remember that our boss, supervisor, advisor, etc., is someone who has been placed in their position for a reason – even if we 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 context long before we/others showed up.
- 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 WE have suggested is, in deed, the best way forward.
- Find the right time – Timing is key. In the right place, at the right time, most people will be willing to listen to what we have to say. If, however, we approach them in the wrong place, at the wrong time, we could be jeopardizing whatever influence we may have had with this person simply because we inconvenienced and/or embarrassed them.
- 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?
Take a moment to share your thoughts in the comment section below.
2 thoughts on “Leading UP”
Great thoughts on a really important subject. The list that you’ve provided here is definitely very important when it comes to “leading up.” Often times I find myself in a bit of a tension between feeling like I have some really good ideas to contribute (ideas largely borne out of time spent with other leaders and pastors far more gifted than myself) and also not wanting to come across as a know-it-all. This is especially true right now as I’m adjusting to a new position at a small church that is aggressively trying to grow but has very few key leaders that have experience at larger churches that have grown effectively (and the two of us who do have that experience are close friends from the same church). I’m very fortunate in that I have a really great senior pastor who welcomes my input, but I still don’t want to overstep my bounds. One thing I’ve tried to do is simply affirm wherever I can. Not only is that a way that I can encourage my senior pastor, but it is also a way that I can show that I am a team player who recognizes the gifts of others within our organization. Once again, great thoughts here. I especially agree with point 5, particularly for those of us who are younger leaders that are prone to fits of passion (guilty). When we show ourselves to be thoughtful, humble, and articulate we have a much better chance of being heard, and a much better chance of saying something worth hearing!
Hey Brian!
It sounds like you’ve done some good thinking on all of this!
I’d say the fact that you’ve recognized your Sr. Pastor to be someone who values your input and insight is HUGE!
One of the ways that we can present our ideas to those who lead us is by asking questions that allow for the exploration of our ideas. If we’re not concerned with getting “full credit” for the idea… presenting it in such a way, and context, where it can serve as one idea among many, or an idea to consider — acknowledging that it may or may not be the best idea in the world — can keep it from coming across like we’re trying to lead a revolution. 😉
Good thoughts friend!
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