This YouTube video looks at our priorities through examining how we use time and money:

Working Out What You Value Most

What are your priorities in life? How does the way you use your time and money reflect your values? We all have things we prioritise, whether we recognise them or not.

Even if we think we know what we value, it is good to reflect on our actions to see how well our ideas and behaviours align. A good way to examine a priority is to look at the evidence of how we spend our time and money. It is effectively an audit of our schedule and finances.

This is because, as journalist and author Germany Kent points out: “A person’s actions will ALWAYS tell you what their priorities are. People spend their time, money, and energy on what’s important to them.” This video helps you analyse how you spend your time and money and how they reflect what you prioritise.

For more information, follow the link to the full article:

What are Your Life Priorities?

This YouTube video introduces the twelve steps of the Hero’s Journey:

The 12-Step Story Arc

The Hero’s Journey is a structured story arc, and common template, used by storytellers, from authors of ancient mythology through to Hollywood screenwriters. If you think of tales of heroes, be that Odysseus or Luke Skywalker, Perseus or Katniss Everdeen, you can see the underlying similarities. A 17-step structure was proposed by Joseph Campbell in The Hero With a Thousand Faces (1949) and this was refined into a 12-step process by Christopher Vogler in The Writers Journey (2007). This video covers the full twelve steps of the hero’s journey with some examples from well-known stories, taken from books and movies.

For more information, follow the link to the full article:

The Hero’s Journey

In any organization, leadership is not just about managing teams or making executive decisions; it’s also about influencing stakeholders and leading up. That is true even more so when you are working alone or have no team to delegate to.

“Leading up” refers to the ability to influence those above you, either in a formal organizational hierarchy, or in more general business and life interactions. Whether it’s your direct manager, a client, a recruiter, or just someone more influential than you, being able to lead up is essential.

Mastering this skill is crucial for career growth, business development, and driving organizational success. This article explores the importance of leading up, strategies to influence stakeholders, and best practices for establishing credibility and trust.

What Does It Mean to Lead Up?

Leading up is about proactively contributing to decision-making, providing valuable insights, and positively influencing the direction of an organization, even when you are not in a formal leadership position. It involves understanding your stakeholder or leaders’ goals, priorities, and challenges and aligning your contributions to support them effectively.

Being able to lead up successfully means earning trust, communicating effectively, and positioning yourself as a strategic partner who adds value to their organisation.

The Importance of Leading Up and Influencing Stakeholders

Here are some reasons why leading up is so important:

1. Career Growth and Professional Development

Demonstrating leadership beyond your job role or title can help you gain recognition, promotions, and new opportunities. Leaders appreciate employees who take the initiative and contribute to broader organisational goals. External stakeholders want proactive partners who can help them solve problems, so helping is the best way to get more business.

2. Enhanced Decision-Making

Influencing stakeholders ensures that your insights, expertise, and recommendations are considered in decision-making processes. This can lead to better strategic decisions and improved outcomes for the organisation.

I have been in various roles where stakeholder engagement has been vital to ensuring effective decision-making. It takes time to build relationships and align others to a shared direction. For example, in these sorts of situations, I will invest a lot of time with individual decision-makers before going into a group setting where the choice is expected to be made.

3. Improved Relationships with Senior Leaders

Building trust and rapport with higher-ups fosters a collaborative work environment. Strong relationships with key stakeholders can also provide mentorship and open doors to career advancement.

Generally, the people up the chain are just like you, just with a bit more experience or particular skills. The best senior leaders and stakeholders encourage input and challenge from their team. It is increasingly common to have reverse coaching and mentoring in place where a senior person will actively seek the perspective of someone in a lower position.

4. Driving Organisational Change

Many employees have great ideas but struggle to get buy-in from decision-makers. Leading up effectively can help you drive change, secure resources, and implement innovative solutions.

One of my favourite examples of this was David Sterling, founder of the Special Air Service (SAS) in World War Two. He hopped his way into a military HQ on crutches, dodged staff and barged into a General’s office to get his idea across. It was a highly risky strategy but one that paid off, as in this case, he was demonstrating just the sort of daring that his team was going to be known for. As a result, he was permitted to form the SAS.

Strategies for Leading Up and Influencing Stakeholders

1. Understand Your Leaders’ Priorities and Challenges

To influence decision-makers, you need to understand what matters most to them. Research their goals, objectives, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to tailor your communication and contributions accordingly.

• Study company reports, strategy documents, and meeting notes.
• Ask insightful questions to understand their biggest challenges.
• Align your work with their key initiatives to demonstrate value.

2. Communicate Effectively and with Confidence

Senior leaders are often pressed for time, so clear, concise, and compelling communication is essential.

• Use data-driven insights to support your recommendations.
• Present ideas with clarity and confidence.
• Adapt your communication style based on the stakeholder’s preferences (e.g., some leaders prefer high-level summaries, while others want detailed reports).

3. Develop a Strategic Mindset

Thinking strategically means considering the bigger picture and aligning your ideas with long-term business objectives.

• Always connect your proposals to broader company goals.
• Identify risks and opportunities before presenting an idea.
• Showcase how your suggestions can improve efficiency, revenue, or customer satisfaction.

4. Build Credibility and Trust

Credibility is key to influencing stakeholders. If leaders trust your judgment and expertise, they will be more likely to consider your ideas.

• Deliver high-quality work consistently.
• Follow through on commitments and deadlines.
• Stay informed about industry trends and business developments.

5. Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented

Instead of simply pointing out problems, come prepared with potential solutions. Senior leaders value employees who take initiative and provide actionable recommendations.

• Identify issues before they escalate.
• Present well-thought-out solutions backed by data.
• Offer to take ownership of implementing solutions where possible.

6. Manage Up Effectively

Managing up involves making your manager’s job easier while ensuring that your contributions align with their expectations.

• Anticipate your manager’s needs and provide support before they ask.
• Keep them informed without overwhelming them with unnecessary details.
• Offer insights that help them make informed decisions.

7. Leverage Emotional Intelligence (EQ)

Emotional intelligence is a crucial factor in influencing others and building strong professional relationships.

• Practice active listening to understand different perspectives.
• Be empathetic and recognize the challenges senior leaders face.
• Adapt your approach based on the personalities and preferences of key stakeholders.

8. Foster a Collaborative Approach

Building alliances with other teams and departments can strengthen your influence.

• Engage cross-functional teams to support your initiatives.
• Collaborate with peers to present unified recommendations.
• Position yourself as a team player rather than an individual contributor.

9. Use Storytelling to Make an Impact

Data is essential, but storytelling can make your message more compelling and memorable.

• Share success stories that highlight the impact of your ideas.
• Use real-world examples to illustrate your points.
• Frame recommendations in a way that resonates emotionally with stakeholders.

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Best Practices for Sustained Influence

1. Be Patient and Persistent

Influencing senior stakeholders doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time to build trust and credibility.

• Keep presenting valuable insights consistently.
• Accept feedback and refine your approach accordingly.
• Demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of setbacks.

2. Stay Adaptable and Open to Feedback

Senior leaders appreciate employees who can adjust their approach and improve based on constructive feedback.

• Seek feedback from managers and colleagues on how to improve your influence.
• Be willing to pivot strategies if necessary.
• Show a willingness to learn and grow professionally.

3. Maintain Professionalism and Composure

Handling high-pressure situations with professionalism enhances your reputation as a reliable and composed team member.

• Stay calm and solution-focused during challenging conversations.
• Avoid emotional reactions and focus on facts.
• Demonstrate leadership through your behavior and attitude.

4. Follow Up and Show Impact

Stakeholders are more likely to support your ideas if they see tangible results.

• Track and measure the impact of implemented ideas.
• Share progress updates and successes with key stakeholders.
• Reinforce the value of your contributions through data and testimonials.

Mastering the Art of Leading Up

Leading up and influencing stakeholders is a vital skill that can accelerate your career, enhance decision-making, and drive meaningful change within an organization. By understanding leaders’ priorities, communicating effectively, building credibility, and adopting a strategic mindset, you can position yourself as a trusted advisor and thought leader. Whether you’re a working alone and managing clients, or an entry-level employee looking to make an impact with senior leaders, mastering the art of influence will set you apart and create new opportunities for growth and success.

This YouTube video introduces the idea of vocation and doing work you love:

Finding Your Vocation and Best Job

Work isn’t always fun, but most people want to do a job or career that they are passionate about, something they can enjoy, where they feel they can make a difference, all while earning some money. We all have a unique blend of skills, passions, and strengths. When these are expressed in how we spend our work time, then we have a vocation. This video looks at the Spark Tool and how it can be used to find work that you love.

For more information, follow the link to the full article:

How to Find a Job That You Love

This YouTube video introduces several effective prioritisation techniques:

The Best Prioritisation Methods

There are many strategies for prioritising but, if you look carefully, you will see that they all boil down to the same thing. Whether using the Eisenhower matrix, or the Pareto principle, or following Brian Tracey’s advice to “Eat that frog!” there is a common goal. The simple truth at the heart of prioritising is: Do the most important task first. Or as Stephen Covey says, “Put first things first.”

For more information, follow the link to the full article:

How to Prioritise Tasks

This YouTube video introduces the theory of Adaptive Leadership :

Ron Heifetz’s 5 Principles of Leading Through Change

The term Adaptive Leadership was coined by Harvard University professor Ron Heifetz in his 1994 book, Leadership Without Easy Answers. The theory of Adaptive Leadership addresses the strategic question of how to lead people through change. Ron Heifetz set out 5 strategic principles to guide leaders, and their teams, through this process..

For more information, follow the link to the full article:

Adaptive Leadership: How to Effectively Lead Change

This YouTube video introduces how to define success with mission statements:

Success: Achieving the Mission

A mission statement expresses what we are striving for; it should be a clear and concise statement of what success looks like. Being busy is not enough; it counts for nothing if there is not some deeper purpose. We need to know exactly what we are trying to achieve. A really good mission or success statement should be memorable and measurable.

For more information, follow the link to the full article:

What is a Mission Statement and How To Create One

This YouTube video introduces the vision statements:

Visions and Dreams of A Better Future

A vision statement is a picture or dream of a better future. This is important as dreams can be powerful things if we choose to make them a reality.

Henry Ford had an impassioned idea of a motorcar that would be affordable for the average family and he designed the Model T Ford. Edmund Hillary dreamed of climbing the highest mountain on earth and he and Tenzing Norgay were the first men to stand on top of Everest. Tim Berners-Lee dreamed of a way of freely sharing information and knowledge to people all around the world, he went on to invent the World Wide Web.

When a vision stops being a daydream and instead becomes a destination it becomes a powerful thing; something tangible that we can work towards. A true vision or dream stirs the heart; whether it stems from desire for a particular future or from dissatisfaction with the present it should be evocative and engaging. The vision paints the picture of a better future, it brings to life the dream of a new reality and creates a language that describes an alternative paradigm.

For more information, follow the link to the full article:

What is a Vision Statement

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business environment, effective leadership and management skills are essential. Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, an experienced manager, or someone looking to transition into a leadership role, the right management courses can make a significant difference in your career trajectory. Fortunately, there are a plethora of management courses available locally that cater to various needs and skill levels. This article will guide you through some of the top options available and help you make an informed decision.

Why Enroll in Management or Leadership Courses?

Before diving into specific types of courses, it’s crucial to understand why investing time and resources into management education is beneficial. Management courses offer structured learning that covers essential skills such as strategic planning, team management, communication, and problem-solving. These courses not only enhance your professional skills but also bolster your confidence, making you more adaptable to change and better equipped to handle complex business challenges.

5 Key Benefits according to Harvard Business School

Harvard Business School have given these five benefits of management training:

1. Improved Communication Skills
2. Personalized Feedback and Self-Evaluation
3. Deeper Understanding of the Role of a Manager
4. Improved Understanding of Change Management
5. Improved Decision-Making Skills

But that is not all. You can also add to the list:

• Networking opportunities
• Improved chance of promotion
• Enhanced leadership skills

Top Leadership and Management Classes Near You

Local Community Colleges

Community colleges offer a wide range of management courses that are both affordable and flexible. These institutions often provide part-time, evening, or weekend classes, making it easier for working professionals to attend.

Top tip: If time and budget are major constraints then exploring local community and further education colleges is a great way to start.

Continuing Education Programs

Many universities offer continuing education programs focused on leadership and management. These programs are designed for professionals who want to update their skills or gain new insights without committing to a full degree program.

Top tip: I have personally continued my eduction at a local university and I loved the experience. It was definitely worth the expense!

Online Management Courses

In the digital age, online courses have become increasingly popular. They offer flexibility and convenience, allowing you to learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home.

There are lots of online courses available, including some that are free. If you want to find out more then read The Top Free Leadership Courses to Enhance Skills.

Top tip: This is about the most flexible way to do a course and there is loads of great content out there. But be warned, the completion rate on online courses is low. It takes more self-discipline to complete an online rather than in-person course.

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Workshops and Seminars

Workshops and seminars provide hands-on learning experiences that are often more interactive than traditional classes. They are typically short-term and focus on specific topics, such as conflict resolution or strategic planning.

Top tip: Here it is important to focus on the key trait or competency that you want to improve. If you want more help in identifying what that might be the read Which Leadership Skills Do You Need to Develop the Most?

Selecting the Right Course

Choosing the right management course can be daunting given the variety of options available. Here are some tips to help you select the course that best fits your needs:

Assess Your Goals

Determine what you hope to achieve by taking a management course. Are you looking to improve specific skills, prepare for a promotion, or switch careers? Your goals will guide your course selection.

Consider Your Schedule

Look for courses that fit into your lifestyle. If you’re working full-time, consider part-time or online options that offer the flexibility you need.

Evaluate the Curriculum

Review the course syllabus to ensure it covers topics relevant to your career goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out to course instructors for more information.

Check Reviews and Testimonials

Research what past participants have to say about the course. Positive reviews and testimonials can give you confidence in the course’s quality and effectiveness.

Final Thoughts on Choosing a Course

Investing in management courses is a strategic move that can lead to significant professional and personal growth. Whether you choose a local community college, a university continuing education program, or an online platform, the key is to select a course that aligns with your career goals and fits your schedule. By enhancing your leadership and management skills, you’ll be better prepared to navigate the challenges of today’s dynamic business world.

Remember, the journey to effective leadership starts with the first step—choosing the right course. Explore the options available near you and take that crucial step towards becoming a more effective leader.

This YouTube video introduces the popular and effective Rule of Three method for structuring communication:

The Rule of 3 for structuring effective communication

The rule of 3 is very simple. Any time you use a triad of information in your communication, you are using the rule of 3. A lot of the time, we do it unconsciously, but there is a long history of using the rule of three to structure arguments, stories and speeches.

There is something about triads that connects with us on a psychological level and supports effective communication. The rule of 3 certainly encourages clarity, brevity, and memorability. Neuroscience research has shown that we can generally only remember 3-5 pieces of information.

The more complex the information the harder it is to recall all the elements, so it is no surprise that psychologically we fixate on threes. This video summarises three simple structures that use this rule of 3. For more detailed information, follow the link to the full article:

https://therightquestions.co/how-to-use-the-rule-of-3-to-structure-your-communication/