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Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge

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Getting Things Done When You Are Not in Charge

How to Succeed from a Support Position

Berrett-Koehler,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

You don’t move from the supporting cast to the lead role by accident: You need a plan.

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Editorial Rating

5

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • For Beginners

Recommendation

Geoffrey M. Bellman provides strategies that support personnel can use to bring about positive change in their organizations. A comprehensive table of contents allows you to go directly to the area of the book that most interests you. In fact, the author designed the book to be read in pieces and many topics stand on their own in manageable chunks. This alone makes the book a useful tool for people who are interested in "leading from the middle." The informal writing style and the many useful lists make these ideas accessible to readers who lack formal business training, and thus are likelier to work in support roles. Bellman believes that instead of complaining about your lack of power, you should build your power and get things done. getAbstract recommends this book to anyone who isn’t CEO (yet).

Summary

How to Succeed in a Support Position

To succeed in a support position, you have to understand your role in the corporate game. You also have to realize that the corporate game is not the only game in town. Lead your security-conscious, control-oriented, managerial self beyond its present boundaries. Move toward unknown territory and the potential it holds, dreaming of what could be. You can influence the organization you work for and move it in a direction that gives you and those you lead more meaning in your work.

Leading involves a large commitment. Think about the depth of your belief in the importance of change. Remember that dreams are not realized by small investments of energy. You are required to give out more energy when you lead and that sparks other people to do the same. Creating energy is one of a leader’s primary functions. Free yourself from the idea that power can only be held by those at the top. You can lead from the middle.

Empower Yourself from Within

The power that sustains you comes from your perspective on life. This perspective includes your professional philosophy and your personal values, both of which are part of your larger...

About the Author

Geoffrey M. Bellman is the author of The Quest for Staff Leadership (1986), which won the 1987 National Book Award from the Society for Human Resource Management. He also wrote The Consultant’s Calling: Bringing Who You Are to What You Do (1990).

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