How Do Managers Influence a Business? 3 Ways

Are you a middle manager feeling stuck between upper management and your team? Do you wonder how managers influence a business and drive organizational success?

In his book The 360 Degree Leader, John C. Maxwell explores the unique power of middle managers to impact their organizations. You'll discover strategies for leading up, across, and down, as well as how to overcome common leadership myths and challenges.

Read on to unlock your potential as a middle manager and learn how to make a lasting difference in your company.

The Power of Middle Management

As a middle manager, you might sometimes feel caught between a rock and a hard place. You're responsible for results but don't always have the authority to make big changes. You're leading a team while also following orders from above. It's a challenging position, but it's also one with enormous potential. So, how do managers influence a business and drive organizational success? Despite the challenges, middle managers are uniquely positioned to make a significant impact on their company's performance and culture.

In his book The 360 Degree Leader, John C. Maxwell explores how managers at all levels can influence their organization. Let's dive into how you, as a middle manager, can make a significant impact on your business.

Debunking Leadership Myths

Before we get into specific strategies, it's important to address some common misconceptions about leadership:

1. Leadership isn't about titles. Your ability to influence others matters more than your official position.
2. You don't need to be at the top to lead. Leadership is a journey that can start from any point in an organization.
3. Your influence isn't limited by your title. Your ethical behavior and actions shape your impact more than your position.
4. Lack of experience doesn't limit your leadership potential. Many successful leaders have risen from diverse starting points.

Understanding these truths can help you embrace your role as a middle manager and recognize the real power you have to influence your business.

Navigating the Challenges of Middle Management

Middle managers face unique pressures. You're often in an "in-between" position, bearing responsibility without full authority. You might be led by someone who isn't effective, causing frustration. You're juggling multiple roles and responsibilities. And you're trying to maintain your ego while avoiding feeling undervalued.

Despite these challenges, your position as a middle manager gives you a unique vantage point. You can see both the big picture and the day-to-day operations. This perspective allows you to bridge gaps and drive positive change throughout the organization.

Leading Up: Influencing Your Superiors

One of the key ways you can influence your business is by effectively leading up. Here are some strategies:

1. Manage yourself well. Be reliable, take initiative, and approach tasks with enthusiasm.
2. Prepare thoroughly for meetings with superiors to maximize their time.
3. Lighten your leader's load by taking on some of their responsibilities.
4. Know when to push your ideas and when to hold back.
5. Build strong relationships with your superiors.
6. Continually improve your leadership skills.

By mastering these skills, you can gain the trust and respect of those above you, increasing your influence on the direction of the business.

Leading Across: Collaborating With Peers

Your relationships with colleagues at your level are crucial for organizational success. Here's how you can lead effectively across:

1. Build strong bonds with your peers based on mutual care and understanding.
2. Foster collaboration rather than competition among leaders.
3. Maintain ethical conduct and avoid office politics.
4. Support your colleagues through their challenges.
5. Be genuine about your own imperfections.
6. Expand your network and welcome diverse perspectives.
7. Value collective intelligence over individual ego.

By creating a culture of collaboration and mutual support among your peers, you can significantly enhance the overall effectiveness of your organization.

Leading Down: Guiding Your Team

Of course, a significant part of your influence comes from how you lead your team. Here are some key strategies:

1. Recognize the unique potential of each team member.
2. Help your team members develop skills beyond their job descriptions.
3. Translate the organization's mission into clear, actionable steps.
4. Create a culture that values dedication and recognizes achievements.
5. Acknowledge the personal lives of your team members.
6. Communicate the vision in a way that aligns with organizational values.

Remember, leadership is about creating an environment where your team members feel empowered and understand the broader goals they're working towards.

Developing a 360-degree Leadership Mindset

To truly drive organizational success, you need to develop a comprehensive leadership perspective. This involves:

1. Being adaptable and willing to lead from different positions.
2. Using discernment to focus on what truly matters.
3. Understanding perspectives from all levels of the organization.
4. Communicating effectively across the hierarchy.
5. Building confidence through self-understanding rather than positional power.
6. Focusing on serving others and adding value.
7. Being innovative in finding solutions.
8. Prioritizing team success over personal ambition.
9. Demonstrating resilience and commitment over time.
10. Remaining steady during critical times.

By cultivating these qualities, you can become a leader who has a positive impact throughout the organization, regardless of your official title.

The Impact of 360-degree Leadership

When middle managers embrace this comprehensive approach to leadership, the benefits to the organization are significant:

1. Better results: A team operating under 360-Degree Leadership principles achieves more than a single leader could.
2. Sustained momentum: Leadership at all levels drives progress and maintains dynamism.
3. Preparation for future roles: By developing leadership skills in your current position, you're ready for future opportunities.
4. Nurturing future leaders: As a middle manager, you play a crucial role in developing the next generation of senior leaders.
5. Strengthening the organization: Your adaptability, discernment, perspective, and communication skills add vital qualities to the overall leadership structure.

By embracing your role as a middle manager and developing your 360-degree leadership skills, you can drive significant success in your organization. Remember, your influence isn't limited by your title - it's shaped by your actions, your relationships, and your commitment to the success of your team and your organization as a whole.