How To Lead … When You Are Not The Boss
There are situations where the boss is not the most influential person on the team. Instead, it’s the person the team looks to for approval and confidence. If you find yourself in that position, how do you lead with the grace of a Christ-centered leader and not undermine your boss?
My friend Kimberly was thrust into that position. She was the Vice President of a small financial establishment in Detroit. When the President’s job became open, Kimberly applied but was not selected. A candidate from another business, having strong connections, was brought in to fill the position, although Kimberly demonstrated superior capabilities.
Have you ever been in that position? It’s no fun.
Many of the employees and customers of the establishment had been and generally continue to look to Kimberly for guidance and direction even after the management change. That situation could have set up a political battle between the two top leaders of the company.
Instead of Kimberly becoming disgruntled or fighting to dethrone her new boss, she displayed the unwavering grace of a Christ-centered leader.
How to Be The Untitled Leader
Kimberly did not have the title of “boss.” However, there were a few qualities she demonstrated that helped her lead with grace.
- Emotional Intelligence: She maintained strong emotional intelligence in the face of her confidence being tested. In other words, Kimberly was in touch with and able to control her emotions. She also was able to understand and influence the emotions of others for positive outcomes. The bottom line is Kimberly did not make it personal. It was business.
- Support & Respect: The other employees expected Kimberly to be upset and rebellious because she did not get the promotion. But she fully supported her new manager. She allowed her manager to make the decisions. She did not bad-mouth her boss. Instead, she showed her boss the deserved respect as the President.
- Courageous leadership: While she was not the boss, Kimberly knew how to lead from behind by influencing her boss as needed. She was also able to earn the trust and respect of her boss. That allowed Kimberly to offer difficult feedback when warranted to her boss.
- Focus: What Kimberly did was important. What she did not do was equally important. She did not do her boss’ job nor allowed her boss to abuse her support. She also did not support others going around her boss and coming to her instead. Kimberly stayed focused on delivering her work plan.
Skills That Enable Influence Even Without a Title
Several skills can help a leader influence an organization even without a title.
- Diligence: Kimberly was diligent and continued to deliver outstanding results for her institution. Her mastery of the work was superior.
- Trust: There was a high level of trust in the organization for Kimberly. People trusted her because of her servant leadership. She was empathetic and compassionate. That caused people to trust her communications and actions.
- Leadership Presence: Several characteristics drive leadership presence. This includes confidence, charisma, and communication. Kimberly had the command of a room when she stepped in.
- Empowerment: Great leaders empower their people. That’s exactly what Kimberly was used to doing. She ensured her organization had the right resources, tools, and capability to do their jobs. People appreciate that.
My friend was eventually elevated to the role of President and, as expected, immediately started making a solid impact.
It is not easy to lead when your boss is not delivering good results, or when you are the one the organization looks to for direction above your boss. However, if you find yourself in that unrequested position, you need to step up and lead with the grace of a Christ-centered leader.
Empowered Leader Reflection
What would you do if your manager’s team treated you as their leader?
Would you mind sharing your comments to help us along our leadership journey?
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