LEADING UP: A CRITICAL SKILL FOR PROJET MANAGER EFFECTIVENESS
One of the key challenges that project managers face, especially in matrix organizations, is the lack of adequate authority to carry out their responsibilities. They must rely on their influence, communication, negotiation, and other skills to obtain required cooperation and resources from functional managers, who are most often their superiors in the organization.
Now, one of the critical skills that project managers need to have to succeed in such situations is the ability to lead up.
Leading up, according to Michael Unseem, professor and director of Wharton’s Center for Leadership and Change Management, is the act of working with people above you – whether one boss, several bosses, a chief executive, a board of directors, or even stockholders – to help them and you get a better job done. It is also known as the art of Managing your boss.
For the project manager, superiors may include the program manager, portfolio manager, project management office (PMO) manager, project director, or executive sponsor of the project.
So, how does a project manager, like you and me, do this?
Well, I read an excellent article by Dan Reiland, the Executive Pastor at 12Stone Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in which he outlined 8 practices to lead up, and lead up well. Who else is more qualified to discuss the subject than Dan? He has worked with legendary John Maxwell for many years. He was first his Executive Pastor at Skyline Wesleyan Church in San Diego, and then Vice President of Leadership and Church Development at INJOY. He obviously had to do a lot of leading up!
Here is a summary. You can read the full essay here.
- Earn your voice.
He said that you have a leadership voice that your team and boss want to hear. Your team, especially your boss, wants to hear what you think. But, according to him, you must find your voice, earn your voice, and use your voice wisely for the good of your team and organization.
- Manage yourself, so you don’t need to be managed.
Leading yourself is about things like managing your emotions, time, and priorities. You may need a coach or mentor to help you learn to lead yourself.
- Know when to speak up and when to be quiet.
If you think your boss is making a mistake, say so before it happens. Speak up respectfully. But speak up. And when you have spoken up and been heard, be quiet.
- Add specific value.
The first way to add value to those above you is to fulfill your responsibilities and accomplish your goals. Adding value to those above you is not office politics; it represents a servant’s heart and the desire to lighten their load when you can.
A simple way to add value is to ask your boss this question, “How can I help you today?”
- Do what you’ve been asked to do before you ask for what you want to do.
We all have drive, dreams, and want to make a difference. However, it’s essential to allow your growth to catch up with your aspirations and give others room to see your value.
Thoroughly love what you’ve been asked to do, do your work well, enjoy the process, and in time you’ll be asked to do your dream job.
- Seek to be aware of the pressures your leaders carry.
When you’re aware of some of the pressure your leader(s) carry, it helps you gain perspective on their decisions, how they use their time, and what matters most to them.
- Become a stand-out problem solver.
Anyone can spot a problem and complain; leaders find solutions and create.
The best problem solvers lead up more effectively and therefore rise faster in responsibility.
The first thing you need to become a good problem solver is to think about time. Where in your calendar have you set aside time to think?
- Understand the limits and boundaries of the relationship.
A clear understanding of the limits and boundaries of your relationship with your boss is the best path toward a fulfilling and rewarding day-to-day rapport.
Even if you wish the design of the relationship were different, knowing the reality is essential to enjoying your job.
There you have it!
And what about leading your team?
