Lead from the Middle

Lead from the MiddleTodd DeLuca@STC_Rochester#spectrum16@TechCommTodd

Contents An Introduction An Opening Scene Some Characters (4 Leader Type) Some Examples and Lessons A Summary An Ending

About Me

Tech Comm Manager (Black Knight Financial Services)STC Associate FellowSTC Community LeaderSTC Summit ChairPresenter & Speaker

@TechCommTodd

This story starts on a farm...

Things just are the way they are.

Everyone has a job.

Each member has their place.

There are 4 leader characters, each with a distinct leadership view.

Caveat:This is fictional tale, any similarity to copywritten material is purely coincidental. No animals were harmed in the preparation of this presentation.4

Above Leader

the Boss

aka owner, executive, general @STC_Rochester

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Leading from Above Position of ownership. Manages bigger picture. Gives general direction. Provides guidance and sets rules. Expect people to follow orders. Maps out strategy.

Advantages:Already responsibleDo not have to earn trustEfficient (easier to adjust or change course)

Disadvantages:Held accountableFailure focused on leaderOthers may not be able or willing to follow lead

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Front Leader

the Enforcer

aka supervisor, manager, lieutenant@STC_Rochester

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Leading from Front Position of authority. Implements what boss wants. Directs team. Gives instruction or orders. Enforces the rules. Gets people compliant. Makes things happen in the field.

Advantages:Already have title (built-in authority)Can make minor adjustmentsTypically have some experienceMay be able to relate to team

Disadvantages:Get orders from someone elseCant stray too far from original planMay be blamed or held responsible for poor planMay not be able to determine team members, inherit the crew8

Behind Leader

the Elder

aka senior member, consultant@STC_Rochester

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Leading from Behind Position of influence. Encourages direction. Connects different groups. Acts as coaxer. Does not give orders or set action. Doesnt do heavy lifting.

Phrase is credited to Nelson Mandela, who compared it to being Like a sheperd. He stays behind the flock, letting the most nimble go out ahead, whereupon others follow, not realizing they are being directed from behind.

Advantages:Less visibility (not sticking neck out)Less responsibilityLower risk (if things go astray)

Disadvantages:Less influence on results (get what you get)

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Middle Leader

the Worker

aka liason, lead, private@STC_Rochester

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Leading from Middle Most common job or role. Position of observation. Does what other leaders direct. Acts as enabler or supporter. Works with others to achieve goals.

Most of us are in this position where we work (as an employee in a company or freelancer/contractor with client)

Advantages:Moderate riskShared responsibility (not all on you)

Disadvantages:Cant do things on your own.Less efficient (working with others)

May have trouble getting others to cooperate or buy into goal/vision

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Do these types make sense?What do you think?

LEAD from the Middle 4 Step System L E A D

Closest to my experience and the system Ive used with moderate success, working to advance in organization despite working remotely and getting moved with a new boss every year (4 years in row).14

L = Look

Find opportunities or gapsProblems to solve, issues to fix.Something people complain about.A task that can be done better.An alternative solution.

Example: need to get developers and SMEs working together consistently to deliver quality content15

E = Engage

Identify partners.Seek out influencers.Initiate contact.Work with others. Find common ground.Speak their language.

Seek and contact an influential or senior lead on the team (analyst or developer)16

A = Assist and Act

Offer help to partners.Give useful feedback.Propose ideas.Plan and outline actions.Do something helpful.Initiate or lead activity.Start working together.

Help or do something nice for the greater team (document some of their processes, keep project managers at bay).17

D = Deliver

Be dependable.Follow through.Perform regularly.Establish pattern.Get group on same page.

Become the dependable go to person or team.Establish a pattern of excellence and initiative.Get everyone on the same page and working together.18

Is this for you? Do you like to work with others? Do you mind having help? Are you OK sharing responsibility? Are you OK letting others get credit?

@STC_Rochester#spectrum16@TechCommTodd

Are you ready to lead from the middle?19

LEAD Examples? Document processes or procedures. Offer services to others. Create and maintain an FAQ or newsletter. Random acts of kindness.

Ideas: - Documenting processes or procedures (we know how to interview and write steps), - Acts of kindness: Share and celebrate other groups successes. - Offer services that others can count on (editing, documentation, newsletter,- Create and maintain FAQ (support others with their common problems) - Produce and publish reports of activity or a newsletter20

Be the Pig! LEAD from the middle.

A little pig goes a long way.

What are some other examples?What is your experience?

What can you learn from the middle? You dont have to accept your job. You have more freedom and capability than you realize. With others you can make a difference. Doing the unexpected will get you noticed. You can increase influence and change how things are. You can earn more responsibility by taking initiative.

Finding leadersLeaders can change things in organization, if they know who you are and what you can do.Must be visible and allow them to see your work and influence.

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In Summary Look for opportunities to help or correct a problem. Youll go further working with others. Success doesnt happen overnight. Youll be recognized for your efforts. Leading from the middle works!

@STC_Rochester#spectrum16@TechCommTodd

Success doesnt happen overnight.May not find the right problem right awayTakes time to develop relationships and find the right partnersPrepare to take multiple approachesStart with something small and practice

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Thatll Do

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Contact MeLinkedIn: techcommtoddTwitter: @techcommtoddMail: techcommtodd@gmail.com