I do get that quite often at work. In between leaders mostly. Sometimes it between my peers, sometimes it between my peers and my boss and of course sometimes it between my bosses (I do have a few of them I report to).
And when I do get stuck, it’s no fun at all. It’s stressful. Like when a parents divorce and you are asked to pick sides but you can’t. There was this one time I was in so much pressure, I actually burst into tears in the meeting. So tense!
So how could I manage this tension challenge better? This is what leadership guru John C. Maxwell suggests in his book the 360 Leader:
1. Be comfortable with the middle… it’s a matter of getting used to having some power but not all the power. That is when I choose to be an influencer at work. Give my 2 cents but do not want the responsibility in making the decision =}
2. Know what to “own” and what to let go… this is the time I love being in an MNC where every power is ruled by this chart called Delegation of Authority. It draws a clear line of responsibility which I find very helpful.
3. Find quick access to answers when caught in the middle… that is why it’s a good idea to be friends with everybody in the office. When I need quick answers, seek and they shall be found.
4. Never violate your position or the trust of the leader… very important this, to sustain the authority empowerment given. It’s given because of trust and shall not be abused.
5. Find a way to relieve stress… like after that meltdown I had in the meeting, I went shopping after. So I could come back to be better.
Bimbo
