Leading Up

You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘leading up the chain of command’ before, but what does it mean, and how can you employ this tactic to enhance your effectiveness?

For most leaders, especially new leaders, having subordinates and superiors can make you feel like you are the middle man, cascading information, acting as the scapegoat, and feeling stuck between a rock and a hard place. 

Leading up the chain of command is about taking ownership of your team and showcasing your capabilities to your boss. It is also the best way to gain trust and distinguish yourself from your peers. So, how do we lead up the chain of command?

Let’s look to Theodore Roosevelt for some inspiration and guidance. The 26th President of the US, Theodore Roosevelt, grew up a sickly man with lofty ambitions. During his rise through the political system, he held various leadership positions, most of which put him in charge of entire organizations. His appointment as the Assistant Secretary of the Navy in 1897 put him in his first leadership role, where a superior guided his work instead of himself. 

This was a hard adjustment for a man who had supreme control over his actions in his last few positions. Luckily, he realized it could become a proving ground for developing his leadership skills. 

Roosevelt started by building trust. He knew he had to earn the trust of the Secretary of the Navy, John Davis Long. How did he do this?

He started by making Secretary Long’s life much easier. Long had no naval experience and needed guidance to decipher the technical naval jargon relating to his work. Roosevelt had no previous naval experience, but he learned the technical side of the work to translate this information into easy-to-understand reports he would submit to Long. 

This method not only earned the trust of Secretary Long but also allowed Roosevelt to become indispensable. Roosevelt proved his worth to Long, which allowed Long to give him more freedom to maneuver. Long went on a Summer holiday and gave Roosevelt control for months. Long’s extended absence was only possible because Roosevelt led up the chain of command by making his boss’s life easier and earning his trust through his actions. 

Another hallmark of the relationship was Roosevelt's transparency. While some disagreement made their way into the newspaper, Roosevelt was keen to make Long fully aware before he found the unsavory news in the paper. 

Roosevelt maintained a healthy relationship through his transparency, an essential leadership skill that allowed him to gain the trust of his superiors and lead up the chain of command. 

Roosevelt took control and built up the logistical power of the Navy, ensuring they had the resources necessary to enter and win a conflict if provoked. While President McKinley and Secretary Long disagreed with Roosevelt’s appropriation of resources, they never revoked his decisions. I can only imagine how different the situation would have gone had Roosevelt not gained the trust of his leader through his actions leading up the chain of command. Roosevelt’s leadership and preparation while running the Department in Long’s absence contributed to the United States’s decisive victory in the Spanish-American War. Roosevelt understood peace only exists through strength. He effectively led up the chain of command to build up the United States Navy in preparation for future conflict.

Reflection

Think about your role as a leader.

• Do you work to make your boss’s life easier?

• Have you earned your boss's trust?

You have a duty as a leader to earn your boss's trust. Before you disengage or blame your boss as a micromanager, think about this: Have I proven my ability to execute at the level my boss expects? Showcase your ability by leading up the chain of command; don’t wait for the opportunity to be handed to you. 

Takeaway:

1. Gain your boss’s trust.

2. Provide transparency as you execute their vision.

3. Make your boss’s life easier by becoming indispensable.

We’ll be diving deeper into Theodore Roosevelt's leadership skills next week.

Stay tuned!

Rick