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This article is the second in a series based on John C. Maxwell’s The 360 Degree Leader, a fantastic book for managers (and aspiring managers) of all levels. The first article appeared on Slacker Manager as a guest post, the balance of the series will appear here.

The second “Lead up” principle for those that are “caught in the middle” is to Lighten Your Leader’s Load. Anyone who has worked for an incompetent manager knows that your own efforts are essential to the success of the organization. Especially when you are doing the work of your leader as well as your own. (Of course, if you are in this situation now I would like to recommend that you update your resume immediately and then go read this post.) You need a new job more than you need to help your leader succeed.

For the rest, Maxwell describes how to help your leader succeed in order to help yourself. A good leader can become a great leader with your help, here are a few reasons why you should “Lift Your Leader”:

• Lifting shows you are a team player
• Lifting shows gratitude for being on the team
• Lifting makes you part of something bigger
• Lifting gets you noticed
• Lifting increases your value and influence

I would add another reason why lifting your leader lifts you:

• Lifting sets an example for those who can lift you

Setting an example that others want to follow is an important part of anyone’s job, no matter their place in the hierarchy. Doing your own job well is the first step in setting that example, if you can’t get your own work done how can you expect to be a help to anyone else?

If you aren’t part of the solution…

Lifting your leader involves finding solutions to problems before you take the problem to your leader. Being prepared with possible solutions is an integral part of lifting your leader. Leaders need good information about situations in order to guide the organization to success. Communicating with your leader about what they need to know (as opposed to simply telling them what they want to hear) shows that you have put forth extra effort.

“Going the extra mile” is standard procedure these days. It is no longer enough to meet the expectations of those that you work for. Now an aspiring leader has the responsibility, indeed the obligation, to go beyond even that.

Ask not what your leader can do for you…

If you are not sure about what would be the best way to lift your leader, ask. While those of you with more experience may be able to anticipate the needs and requirements of your leaders, newer members of a team may need more direction. Asking your leader how you can best help is a good way to open communication and avoid duplication of effort. It also creates a teachable moment for both of you - a moment when you gain insight into the goals and direction of the organization and your leader can learn about your strengths and weaknesses. It is at a time like this that both of you can grow.

Click here to read all of the 360 Degree Leader posts.

Click here for more recommended reading.

If you found this post useful, please share it with your friends on Twitter using the tinylink http://tinyurl.com/6gtks7. Thanks, I appreciate it! Feel free to comment below, I enjoy discussing these ideas. ~@Stephen