Chapter 1: Understanding Leadership

Can you truly sway senior leadership? The reality is that changing their minds may not be feasible. Nevertheless, it's worth continuing your efforts, even if sending anonymous books won’t yield results.

Expecting heated discussions or meetings to create impact is misguided. The focus should not be on altering your leaders, but rather on embodying the leader you wish to follow. Leadership transcends status; while being a boss entails authority, it doesn’t equate to true leadership. The essence of leadership lies in fostering growth in those around you. If you hold a position of authority, you have the potential to lead on a larger scale.

In your quest to become the leader you aspire to be, remember that you’re unlikely to change someone several levels above you who dismisses your perspective. Interestingly, this is why it is beneficial for younger individuals to experience discomfort under a leader they don't respect—resignation isn't the answer! Instead, stay and hone your leadership skills with your team.

Even if you occupy the most junior role, you have colleagues alongside you. You can pledge to ensure they feel acknowledged, valued, and understood. You can dedicate yourself to helping them meet their goals or simply to being their support during trying times. Strive to make sure they leave work feeling accomplished and satisfied—that is the essence of leadership.

When you cultivate this skill, you will notice your smaller teams begin to thrive and collaborate more effectively. As teamwork flourishes, leadership may overlook your efforts due to your success, or they might approach you with curiosity about what’s happening within your team.

They may even come to learn from your approach, leading to the possibility of promotions within your group. This transition can result in multiple high-performing teams that exhibit trust and synergy. Before you know it, you could witness an exponential growth of effective teams.

This challenge is particularly prevalent among younger professionals. When we discuss a long-term perspective, we refer to an infinite mindset, similar to how the tail wags the dog in organizational dynamics. Many companies overlook this journey, not out of disagreement, but because they desire immediate results, akin to demanding instant health from a fitness routine.

Every healthcare professional will affirm that consistent exercise over a lifetime promotes health. However, predicting when one will achieve health improvements is uncertain; the timeline can vary. What is certain is the necessity of committing to the process, which proves successful every time—even if the timing is unpredictable.

Leadership operates under the same principle. It’s effective 100% of the time, although the outcomes may not manifest immediately. You might transform an organization within a year, or you may simply lay the groundwork for continued progress in your absence. Change may occur without your direct involvement, but the key is to remain committed to the process.

For instance, brushing your teeth is ineffective unless done daily. You might wonder if skipping a night is permissible. Yes, you can, and it likely won’t have immediate consequences. However, the same question arises: how many nights can you afford to skip? The answer remains elusive, as no dentist can specify a limit. The core message is to commit to the routine, embody the leader you wish to see, and refrain from worrying about persuading others.

The first video titled "Can You Actually Influence Senior Leadership?" provides insights into the dynamics of influencing those at the top and the realistic expectations one should have.

Chapter 2: The Art of Leadership Practice

In the second video, "How Do I Influence Senior Management?", viewers will learn practical techniques for engaging and influencing senior leaders effectively.

As a brief introduction, I'm Scotty. With nearly three decades of experience as a senior leader in HR and IT, I enjoy sharing insights on management styles, leadership principles, and other topics of interest. To keep up with my writings, I invite you to follow me, and if you find my articles valuable, consider subscribing to my newsletter for direct updates.