Why Is Leading Up Important

Words: 1325
Pages: 6

When leading up there must be clear and concise directions. Priorities must be set and energy is a must to ensure that those goals are accomplished. A leader’s personal life can at times lead into the work place, but as a leader they should know when to separate personal to professional lives. In the event, the leader is unable to separate their personal and professional lives their direct reports will not listen to their directions, respect will be lost and if the decision has been made by the leader the chain may not approve because there could be a possibility that the leader is letting their personal emotions dictate their actions.
Equally important, leading up requires self-reflection, which is a fundamental principle of values-based
…show more content…
Direct reports will see the leader as a team player and respect will be earned. Getting to know the direct reports personalities at times can be challenging, but it will be well worth it in the end. The leader will find out certain hobbies the individuals have and they could be a common ground for a great discussion. Leaders can say “happy birthday,” to an individual when it doesn’t cost a thing but that direct report will appreciate the leader for recognizing them on their special …show more content…
Leaders must believe in the individuals that they are leading, as this can be done a number of ways and tactics. Leaders need to be certain, that they believe in the people they are leading, otherwise you are just taking a stroll and slowing down the team. (Harrington, p. 3)
Furthermore, development needs to be established with the direct reports. Leaders have to understand that everyone doesn’t learn the same way and it might take others to catch on a little longer. Leaders need to take responsibility for conforming their leadership style to what their direct reports need, rather than expecting them to automatically adapt. (Maxwell, The 360° Leader, 2005, p. 232)
Finding the direct reports strengths and weaknesses is critical in helping them be successful. As the leader, having difficult conversations with the direct report on what they are doing wrong can be challenging but they will not grow and be successful without those types of conversations.
Leaders have to recognize what type of skill sets their direct reports have. Once the skill set has been established it is the leader’s responsibility that the direct report is using their skills with efficiency and effectiveness.