ONE ASPECT OF LEADERSHIP THAT IS EASILY FORGOTTEN:

Chad McCorkle
Aug 27, 2017 · 3 min read

How Leading your Boss Can Help Your Career and Life!

When you lead, you can do so in all directions. When most people think about leadership they tend to only focus on a leader being the highest ranking person or of someone who just lead those that are below them on the org chart. In reality, you can also lead UP the org chart.

What does leading up mean? How does one go about leading their boss?

Here are a few ways in that you can begin doing this:

  • You can lead you boss by modeling the type of leader you want them to be.
  • “ABG” — always be growing. I’ve found that by expanding my leadership knowledge and skills others over me notice and have even followed suit.
  • Get good at offering valid and constructive feedback
  • NEVER, EVER make excuses- the moment you start doing this, your boss or those above you on the org chart will instantly stop viewing you a a leader. Making excuses is a sure way to drain your power. Take ownership.
  • Get results — do so yourself, and through other people. A leader is not down in the trenches doing all of the work. They inspire people to buy into what needs to get done and get results through other people.
  • Be positive. True leaders are not negative. If you want to influence your boss then you have do all that you can to create positive feelings when they are around you. The positive feelings will help to open them up to your leadership.
  • Do your best to add as much value to them as you possibly can. If you are removing obstacles from their path, you are leading your boss.
  • Build a relationship with your boss. Leadership is built primarily on relationship. This will seem awkward at first, but it will pay off. You should take the initiative to make this happen.

There you have it, some great ways to lead your boss. So why should you want to lead your boss anyway?

When you lead your boss, you make their life easier. You are adding massive value to them. And the more value that you add, the more you will be worth. Which means ultimately, more abundance will be directed your way. This could be in the form of more money, a more flexible schedule, you could get a promotion or put on projects, or you could be given additional resources.

Once you have all of these areas working in your favor, life starts to look pretty good and fulfilling.

Start leading your boss today, and you will stand out in a crowded marketplace in a positive way.

About The Author

Hi! I’m Chad, and I am on an incredible journey of becoming a better leader each and every day while helping others do the same.

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