Mastering the Art of the Plus Sign
By Dr. Michael Edmondson, Associate Provost for Continued Learning at NJIT, and Vice President, Learning and Development Initiative at NJII. Dr Nicol Nicola, Director of Economic and Demographic Research at New Jersey Department of Labor.
Leadership offers a unique opportunity to manage relationships at various levels, which can be visualized as a plus sign (+). At the top of the plus sign are senior leaders—your managers, their managers, and the executive team. Managing up involves influencing, aligning with strategic goals, and communicating effectively. On the horizontal axis are your peers—colleagues at the same level as you. These relationships require collaboration, conflict resolution, and alignment on shared initiatives. At the bottom of the plus sign are those who report to you. These team members rely on your guidance, mentorship, and leadership to navigate challenges, achieve objectives, and grow professionally. Mastering the art of managing in all three directions requires a versatile and thoughtful approach.
Managing Up: Influencing Senior Leadership
Effectively managing up involves aligning with the organization's strategic objectives and understanding the complexities of senior leadership’s vision. This requires you to:
- Communicate with clarity and adaptability to resonate with diverse leadership styles.
- Advocate for resources—talent, tools, or technology—that enable you and your team to deliver results.
- Demonstrate how your team’s work contributes to organizational goals, ensuring alignment and building credibility.
- Your ability to influence leadership depends on adopting a flexible communication style, anticipating their priorities, and providing insights that add value to their decision-making process.
Managing Sideways: Collaborating with Peers
- Managing peers involves working collaboratively to achieve shared goals, even when competing priorities or limited resources complicate the process. The key is to:
- Build trust through transparency and mutual respect.
- Navigate conflicts constructively by focusing on shared objectives rather than personal agendas.
- Create a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives contribute to better outcomes.
Rather than viewing peers as competitors, approach them as partners in achieving the organization's broader mission. This mindset fosters cooperation and strengthens professional relationships.
Dr. Michael Edmondson says that managing alongside my peers has further revealed that collaboration and shared learning are integral to both professional and personal development. Engaging with colleagues from diverse backgrounds creates an atmosphere where ideas can flourish, and knowledge is exchangeable.
This dynamic encourages individuals to step outside their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and expand their skill sets. As we support one another in our growth journeys, we build meaningful connections that not only advance our careers but also enhance our personal fulfillment and resilience. Through these collaborative efforts, we create a strong support network that nurtures curiosity and fosters innovation.
Managing Down: Leading Your Team
For those who report to you, the focus is on fostering engagement, building trust, and empowering individuals. Successful managers:
- Understand what motivates each team member and adapt their leadership style accordingly.
- Provide honest, constructive feedback to help team members overcome challenges and grow professionally.
- Create an environment that values diverse talents and encourages collaboration.
When we prioritize professional development, we not only align our team with organizational objectives but also foster an environment where individual growth is celebrated. By helping team members understand how their roles contribute to the larger vision, we empower them to invest in their professional journeys, which ultimately enriches their personal lives.
Moreover, managing down involves a conscious commitment to nurturing the growth of team members, recognizing that their professional development is deeply intertwined with personal transformation.
By investing time in understanding individual aspirations and providing tailored opportunities for learning, we cultivate an environment that promotes self-discovery and confidence. Facilitating mentorship, offering feedback, and
encouraging continuous learning help individuals unlock their potential, leading to greater job satisfaction and personal achievement. This interconnectedness between professional and personal development ultimately builds a motivated workforce that thrives on shared success, contributing to a culture of growth that benefits everyone involved.
Unlike a story centered on a single protagonist, effective management is about developing a team of specialists and superstars who collectively drive success. By empowering your team and leveraging their unique strengths, you build a high-performing, resilient unit.
The Bottom Line
Mastering the art of the plus sign in management means understanding the power dynamics, complexities, and nuances at each level of the hierarchy. It requires adaptability, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to fostering relationships that drive individual and organizational success.
Leadership is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The necessity, complexity, and versatility required to manage up, sideways, and down are what separate effective managers from truly exceptional leaders.