This question popped out in my mind today: "How do you make significant impact in middle management?" You are not the top dog, you're not on the grassroots also. One cannot impliment all one's plans in entirety because you're not the top dog. I've learned it's not always good to assume the top dog position when you are not the top dog. Among other things, sustainability--it would be hard to sustain one's cause in an environment driven in the values of the top dog. In relation to downline and co-workers, it's sometimes difficult to expect excellence according to your personal definition of what is excellent. This is a difficult pill to swallow because I am a choleric-melancholy. Choleric--I want to do it my way; & melancholy--I want it to be perfect. I am not saying these ramblings are fair and right. In fact the challenge for me is always push myself to always see the good in people; to lower my "perfection" standards; and see that I am part of a bigger universe, of a shared community having shared experiences. One who always asserts himself to be the measuring rod for every person's behavior and performance is conceited and self-glorifying.
To make significant impact in middle-management I could think of living out these things:
1. Do your best - At the end of the day, it's a good feeling knowing that you've put in your 100% in what you did.
2. Keep your nose where it's supposed to be - Know your job description. If you're nosing on other people's work in a bad way like thinking how it would be better if it was done your way, it's just a waste of your time. Let people do their job. Learn to appreciate their contribution to the organization. Don't misinterpret. Helping others become better is good, if in a humble and sincere approach.
3. Clean-up your own backyard - Similar to #2. Jesus said, before telling other people to wipe their muta in their eyes, wipe your own muta in your eyes first. It's more credible when advise comes from a person who has a good track record.
4. Trust God's promotion - I believe that if you do what you're supposed to be doing, and you're doing your best, God's promotion is around the corner. And even if it doesn't come swiftly, know that when you do your best you just made God glad and you stayed true to yourself.
5. Be confident, but be humble - Confidence is not over-confident. Humility is not false humility. Be confident in what you do. Be humble because you're still learning and you're definitely not the smartest person in the world.
6. Always put oneself in other people's shoes - To keep oneself from being too conceited. Always consider other people's feelings and circumstances. Ask, what would you do if you are in the person's situation.
7. People are the way they are because all people have histories - Think twice before responding negatively to any people. Perhaps they bit you because something horrible happened to them before they met you and you just happened to be a victim of their hurts and past. Retaliating makes you accountable to your actions and does not contribute in making the world a better place.
8. Support your direct report and augment his strengths (Be an Aaron & Hur to your Moses) - Learn to be submissive and teachable. Don't make your boss life even more difficult by being difficult. Your boss is not your enemy. He is your ally in making positive significant impact in your organization. Learn to become a support to him by lifting him up on your shoulders.
9. Be an asset in your organization, not a liability - Instead of gloating and complaining, explore and commit yourself to become a valuable indespensible asset in the organization. Find your unique niche where you can make significant impact.
10. Chill, live one day at a time - Problems do not cease to exist. So relax. Have fun while you pursue your goals. Stop and smell the roses. Live one day at a time, one step at a time. Everyday has a worry of it's own (Jesus said that).
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