“Don’t Forget to Look Down: The Real Power of Leadership”

Managing up gets the spotlight—it’s strategic, career-focused, and often feels like the most visible way to demonstrate progress. Aligning with leadership, showcasing your skills, and climbing the ladder all seem like the obvious path to success. But true leadership isn’t just about looking up; it’s about looking down—to your team, your foundation, and the people who make your success possible.

Managing down is where real leadership happens. It’s about guiding your team through challenges, lifting them when the work feels impossible, and showing up as a steady, reliable presence. It’s not about deflecting blame when things go wrong or focusing solely on external pressures. It’s about stepping forward, offering clarity in confusion, and being the kind of leader who inspires trust—even in the toughest moments.

The cost of neglecting to manage down doesn’t show up overnight, but it’s inevitable. Burnout, disengagement, and frustration creep in, and one day you hear: “I’ve found another opportunity.” Managing down, on the other hand, builds trust and loyalty. It creates a culture where your team feels valued and empowered, even when deadlines are tight or challenges seem overwhelming.

Empathy is the soul of managing down. When you see your team as individuals with strengths, challenges, and aspirations, you build a connection that fosters growth—not just for them, but for you as a leader. The more you focus on guiding and supporting your team, the more your leadership journey flourishes. Teams don’t follow titles; they follow leaders who’ve proven they care.

True leadership is about more than managing up to climb the ladder. It’s about managing down to build something lasting. When you prioritize your team’s growth alongside your own, you create a foundation of trust, resilience, and shared success.

So, pause. Look down. See the people who make your success possible. When you lift others, you don’t just rise—you build something unshakable.

This blog is just the beginning. Stay tuned for my Managing Down Series, where I’ll explore strategies, lessons, and actionable insights to master the art of managing down.