Leading from the middle is challenged by a metrics vs. mindfulness conundrum.
- The people above us measure our success on our metrics.
- The people below us measure our success on our mindfulness.
Can we do both? Can we actually manage and lead at the same time? Can we meet the expectations of the organization while also being committed to the needs and aspirations of the people who follow us?
We have to.
- If we only focus on our metrics, we risk losing our people.
- If we only focus on our mindfulness, we risk losing our job.
The secret? Connect metrics and mindfulness.
Connect people to the metrics – our people should operate knowing the impact of their efforts and results, and be, not just involved, but invested in those metrics
Connect metrics to people – our metrics should reflect the impact of our efforts to guide, advise, listen, develop, and mentor our people to be successful (ex: we should measure their retention, their growth, their contributions, their involvement, and their mindfulness in leading others)
Master this and you’ll master your role as a middle leader.