122 | The Middle Manager's Dilemma: Leading Up & Managing Down

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Have you ever felt stuck between a rock and a hard place in your leadership role?

One moment, you're fielding expectations from senior leadership, and the next, you’re navigating tension within your team.

If you're a middle manager or in any leadership role where you're both leading up and managing down, this episode is for you.

Middle management is one of the most challenging places to lead from.

You're not “at the top,” but you’re also not “just a leader” anymore. You carry the weight of implementing company-wide decisions, while still advocating for your employees and customers.

You're both bridge and buffer.

The challenge? When things go wrong, you’re often the one stuck trying to defend a policy you didn’t create, or explain decisions that you weren’t part of.

But here’s the truth: God has positioned you here on purpose.And there is a way to lead with integrity, grace, and strength, even in the tension.

In this episode, I walk through 3 biblical and practical strategies to lead both up and down—without losing yourself in the process.

Reflection/Action Steps in the episode:

1. Reflection: Where in your leadership are you prioritizing image over integrity?

2. Action Step: Practice “translating” big-picture leadership goals into meaningful, actionable direction for your team. And when speaking up to senior leaders, bring solutions, not just problems.

3.Prayer Prompt: “God, help me to lead faithfully in the unseen. When I feel stretched thin, remind me that my strength comes from You, not from others’ recognition.”

Book mentioned: John Maxwell 360 degree leader: https://amzn.to/4o2htXM 

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