Managing sideways
Triple Creek's January 2008 Newsletter features the topic of Managing Sideways (PDF). Too often our leadership focus is upwards to our supervisor and down to those who work on our team(s). However, as this piece emphasizes, the ability to interact effectively with your peers is an important piece of your leadership tool kit. The authors note that two major factors come into play when you lead peers: You have no direct "power" over them and you are immediately dropped into the complexity of your organization's politics.
To help you, the newsletter suggests you consider five best practices:
• Invest your time wisely.
• Find the common ground.
• Prove your trustworthiness.
• Excel in doing good deeds.
• Ask great questions and listen.