My typical tactics for influencing leaders at different levels

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Originally presented at Agile Lean Ireland.

Leaders at different levels have distinct goals and context, therefore the tactics you use to influence leaders at different levels should also be distinct.

NOTE: specific organisations and situations will vary

Levels of leaders

1. L1: Leaders of teams or individuals;
2. L2: Leaders of leaders;
3. L3: Leaders of leaders of leaders;
4. L4 and so on

Different levels of leaders

I’ve seen these levels operate as leadership teams as well as individual leaders. I have limited experience at the L4+ level so I won’t discuss any specific tactics there.

Influence L1 leaders by helping them learn how to be more effective leaders

Typically, L1 leaders spend their time:

• Growing individuals and teams;
• Hiring and firing;
• Facilitating delivery;
• Being the first point of contact for issues (escalation, questions, change management, etc.)