Are you a junior or middle manager struggling to get your voice heard by those higher up the ladder? 

If yes, you're not alone. 

Middle management requires more than just excelling at your job; it demands mastering the art of getting your ideas and thoughts across to those above you. 

In this article, we'll explore four key strategies that resonate with middle managers and offer tips on how to put them into practice.

Leading Yourself Effectively

To influence others at work, start with leading yourself.

As a middle manager, you often juggle multiple responsibilities, making self-leadership a vital skill. 

Effective time management is your cornerstone here. Be prudent with your time, setting clear goals and priorities. Employ tools like calendars and to-do lists to manage your time efficiently. 

I have our clients set up a repeatable weekly schedule that sets them up for what is coming in advance (with plenty of buffer time scheduled, too, to handle those unexpected critical tasks).

Oh, and I have them operate from ONE to-do list and only ONE calendar to plan everything they have in their life.  

That means whether it is personal or work-related, it all goes on the same to-do list and the same calendar.

You only have one you, remember, and you only have one lot of time that you divide between your personal life and your work life.

This helps our clients to plan mentally for what is ahead. However, when it comes to demonstrating reliability and trustworthiness, adhering to your schedule is a massive string to your bow, and this system really helps.

However, getting to the point of scheduling requires a step before it - prioritisation - and it is fundamental to successfully managing your time.

In today's bustling work environment, it's easy to become overwhelmed.

Distinguishing between urgency and importance enables you to focus on those tasks aligned with your goals and your company's objectives, so make sure you take the time to prioritise your work each day.

Help Your Boss Out

Middle managers can increase their influence by alleviating their superiors' burdens.

All too often, we find leaders trying to get one over on their superiors or trying to prove themselves to the detriment of their boss.

Admittedly, this is often a result of poor leadership above, but nonetheless, try to avoid this as best you can.

Instead, demonstrate excellence in your work—a hallmark of middle management. Strive for consistent, high-quality output and aim to meet or exceed your targets. 

Trust in the workplace is built upon reliable performance. Adopt a proactive problem-solving approach where you collaborate with your boss to help make their jobs easier.

For example, don't merely present problems; instead, offer solutions or suggestions when challenges arise. 

This proactive stance showcases your problem-solving skills, initiative and teamwork, which are pivotal in the workplace. 

Also, foster harmonious relationships with colleagues and align with your leader's vision as best you can. 

Being a collaborative team player enhances your influence as a middle manager.

Showing Confidence.

Your attitude plays a pivotal role in your influence as a middle manager. 

Project confidence by taking the lead and volunteering for challenging tasks to demonstrate your leadership abilities. Ownership is a powerful trait. Accept responsibility for your actions and their consequences. 

Be open to acknowledging and learning from mistakes, as it showcases accountability and maturity, as well as vulnerability, which is essential to building connections with people. 

Don't overlook continuous learning and growth, either. They are essential.

Seek opportunities for learning, training, and mentorship to enhance your skills and knowledge continually. 

Middle managers who prioritise growth are more likely to inspire their teams and move into more senior leadership positions, especially in organisations where the culture aligns with this approach.

Coaching Others to Lead Upwards

If you're a middle manager in a leadership role, you can empower your team members to enhance their influence, too.

Developing and empowering your team is an essential part of your development and a key stage in my 7 Stages of Hospitality Leadership.

Empower your team by entrusting them with decision-making responsibilities. Encourage them to take ownership of their work and contribute to the organisation's direction.  

Seek their input on critical decisions and acknowledge their contributions.  

This recognition fosters loyalty and commitment, and you will undoubtedly see a change in mindset with your team.  

Support your team's growth by offering guidance, mentorship and coaching to help them develop their leadership skills.  

A great leader is someone who wants to find and develop their successor.

Final Thoughts

Building influence in the business world is a journey, and middle managers who master self-leadership, teamwork, a positive attitude, and personal and professional growth will find themselves better equipped to succeed in the dynamic realm of middle management.

Make sure you position yourself ready for that next move up the career ladder.

What is your experience of middle management? How did you navigate this area?

Let me know in the comments what worked and what didn't.

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Also, I am offering our Leadership Clarity Coaching Session to you, absolutely FREE.

Sit down with me for 30 minutes, get pure clarity on your leadership journey, and leave our conversation reinvigorated and motivated to lead your people.