Tweet

Working Between Layers

Guest post by: Robert Whipple

Article Overview: I view an organization as a stack of overlapping layers. Good leaders instinctively know how to work effectively in between the layers so they are credible in both directions. That takes a special skill. This article outlines some of the leadership dynamics between organizational layers.

Working Between Layers

This is a great place to test your leadership capability. Outstanding leaders are expert at working the interface between levels. They clarify disconnects upward and interpret decisions downward. They recognize that there is always some tension between the layers, but find ways to keep things under control. Do this consistently and well and you will be among the elite leaders.

Tips to help you improve the interface between levels:

• Thoroughly understand the point of view of layers below you. Listen to input and test for understanding. Be careful to not let the views of the vocal few characterize the beliefs of the silent majority.

• Recognize that many of the desires of levels below you are human nature. What group would not want more pay, more personal freedom, more recognition, more time off, etc. Don't discount these needs, but realize they are universal. Try to find more specific suggestions, and be alert for ideas that can be done without major investment. Often it's the little things that can make a big difference to people.

• Interpreting these needs upward is also an art. Don't be a whiner for your team. Clarify their needs accurately and objectively.

• Internalize the impact of management actions while they are being developed. Make sure top management knows how things will be perceived at lower levels before actions are announced. Avoid sounding negative in these discussions by offering possible alternative decisions or more creative ways of describing them. Ask questions instead of making blunt statements. For example, instead of saying, "They will interpret this as another attempt by management to line their own pockets," you might offer, "Would it be better received if we coupled this announcement with the employee bonus plan?"

• Avoid being a "Chicken Little" in discussions with upper management. Ultimately, you need to support and sell these decisions downward, so work to influence your superiors. Do this from a viewpoint of "what is best for the business," rather than "how to keep the masses from revolting." Senior managers want to do what is best for the organization. They sometimes need help understanding the impact of poor decisions on their own destiny. You can be the voice of reason, but only if you maintain credibility and perspective.

Related Articles
  Easy Networking For Your Job Search
  Profit Boosting Tips - Cut out layers
  Smart Women Trim the Layers of Their Lives
  Becoming An Online Entrepreneur: Adding Musical Layers To Your Marketing
  Unpeeling Your Marketing Onion
  Alternatives to Photoshop - Web Based Image Editors
  Sales Training – What Happens When Salespeople Start Their Day Off Like a Pop Tart?
  Smart Phone Technology
  Designing the Organization
  How to Get Your Foot in the Door Without Contacts
  Linking Pay to Performance: Cascading Goals
  HOW TO IRRITATE YOUR SITE VISITORS
  Carlos Slim Helu Quotes
  The Power Of Internet Marketing To Drive Your Traffic
  5 traits of a successful entrepreneur
  Lesson #3: Make Your Company a Lean, Mean, Operating Machine
  4 Easy Steps To High Impact Presenting
  Four of the Most Common Mistakes in Persuasive Speaking
  Signs of a Declining Business
  Brief Grounding of an Idea for Manifestation

Article Tags: layers, leadership, Organization, trust



Related Forum Posts
Re: What is Your Favorite Thing About Owning A Business? - [quote="freddyb45":1t3lpfi8]For me it's the fact that all the time and effort you put in is worth a lot more, due to it making you "business" more profitable. Working for yourself is also a positive, although employing people you can trust is quite different.[/quote:1t3lpfi8] I like this idea. Working for yourself means you are investing in your own future, not someone else's, although there is value in working for someone else first to gain experience and confidence. Working for yourself does not automatically mean success, fame and fortune. For most entrepreneurs, it takes much work and dedication to get to the point of financial success and comfort - sometimes years. But the benefit is, again, you know you are investing in yourself and building equity for your own future. GT :-]
Re: help wanted in u.k. - Working on it all, a new world to me cheers brendan
Re: What is Your Favorite Thing About Owning A Business? - For me it's the fact that all the time and effort you put in is worth a lot more, due to it making you "business" more profitable. Working for yourself is also a positive, although employing people you can trust is quite different.
Re: When do entrepreneurs retire, if ever? - Entrepreneur don't retire, they die on the job. It is his passion and what he enjoys doing. Rubert Murdock is 77 years old and he is still working. He said he would die fast if he stop working. Working had become his life,joy and passion
business plans & raising capital - In the US, providing projections of returns for an equity investor can be very problematic. I would also mention that unless you are dealing directly with the venture capital firms – a business plan (while necessary) is not the best tool for dealing with private investors. Working with a professional is a definite help – but be sure to check them out and be very clear about what you will be getting. Be very careful with those who say they can raise capital for you.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

Maximum Impact Restaurant Greening

Do You Pretend To Listen To People?

Having It All... With No Sleep

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.