Leading outside the lines: How to Mobilize the (in)Formal Organization, Energize Your Team, and Get Better Results

MIDDLE MANAGERS

Being in the middle is tough. Your objectives probably require cross-functional collaboration, but you probably don’t have enough time or resources under direct control to achieve them. The rewards system motivates some of your people—but not all. Many of your decisions can be overturned at any point by those higher up, placing your plans at constant risk. These shortages of formal authority and resources mean that most cross-functional work is accomplished through the “web of favors” that middle managers draw upon to get things done.

However, in focusing on how to get things accomplished outside their teams, middle managers shouldn’t forget about their teams. Most receive plenty of guidance from the formal organization on ...