Lead Your Boss : The Subtle Art of Managing Up

A guidebook for those who have vision and drive to take the organization to the next level ... and a boss. Every manager on the move wants to have influence at the top in order to get his or her ideas heard and acted upon. In Lead Your Boss, John Baldoni gives managers new, as well as tried-and-true, methods for influencing both their bosses and their peers, and giving senior leaders reasons to follow their lead. Featuring instructive stories based on real-life experiences from leaders at all levels, he reveals proven strategies for developing spheres of influence; handling tough issues; asserting oneself diplomatically; putting the team first; persuading up; establishing trust; using organizational politics to everyone's advantage; inspiring others through-out the organization. He gives readers practical, tactical advice on becoming a key player in any organization--Publisher's description. Every manager on the move wants to have influence at the top in order to get his or her ideas heard and ultimately acted upon. In Lead Your Boss, recognized leadership guru John Baldoni gives managers new—as well as tried-and-true— methods for influencing both their bosses and their peers, and giving senior leaders reasons to follow their lead. Featuring instructive stories based on real-life experiences from leaders at all levels, Lead Your Boss reveals proven strategies for: • Developing spheres of influence • Handling tough issues • Asserting oneself diplomatically • Putting the team first • Persuading up • Establishing trust • Using organizational politics to everyone's advantage • Inspiring others through-out the organization Lead Your Boss gives readers practical, tactical advice on becoming a key player in any organization, regardless of whether or not they have an office in the Csuite...YET. Contents 10 Acknowledgments 12 Prologue 16 PART I: WHAT DOES THE LEADER NEED? 24 STEP 1: Leading Up 26 STEP 2: Thinking and Acting Strategically 39 STEP 3: Pushing Back the Right Way 69 PART II: WHAT DOES THE TEAM NEED? 94 STEP 4: Letting Others Create the How 96 STEP 5: Breaking Down the Doors 124 STEP 6: Working the System 150 PART III: WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP THE LEADER AND THE TEAM SUCCEED? 166 STEP 7: Bending but Not Breaking 168 STEP 8: Preparing Others to Lead 186 STEP 9: Leading with Presence 209 The Smart Guide to Positive Push-Back 222 Notes 226 Index 234 A 234 B 234 C 234 D 235 E 236 F 236 G 236 H 236 I 236 J 237 K 237 L 237 M 238 N 238 O 238 P 238 R 239 S 239 T 240 U 240 V 240 W 240 Z 240 About the Author 241 A guidebook for those who have the vision and drive to take the organization to the next level...and a boss.