Leading When You’re Not in Charge
Eric Svaren, MA and Diana Gale, Ph.D.
Wednesday-Thursday, October 29-30, 2008
Course Description
Leadership isn’t only about the position you hold in the organization. Whatever their formal position, managers can effect change and advance the organization’s work by using informal leadership. Informal leaders are flexible in their approach and tactics, yet exemplify integrity. They have the ability to balance both organizational and personal visions and interests, while at the same time translating big-picture ideas into specific, achievable tasks. Informal leaders are adroit at navigating the bureaucracy and typically eschew credit for success. Drawing from a variety of perspectives, this course focuses on giving participants the skills, tools, and perspectives that will help them successfully move their organizations and initiatives forward.
Learning Objectives
The demand for leadership has increased in recent years as bureaucracies have become more complex, and the increased visibility of government coupled with the demand for accountability requires leadership skills at all levels. Leadership is not a solo performance. Individuals must be strong in their own right, able to make effective decisions, think strategically, and act decisively. Individuals lead at all levels of an organization, but how do managers lead when they are not in charge?
Whatever their formal position, managers can effect change and advance an organization's work by using informal leadership drawing on a variety of skills. At the conclusion of this course, participants gain the skills, tools, and perspectives to be able to:
• Define themselves as lateral leaders: Understand the pivotal role of the “lateral leader” and how they can be effective.
• Understand reality: Develop a fine-grained view of the current situation–politically, organizationally, and personally.
• Exercise influence: Master key principles of influence and apply them in a disciplined way. Develop key partners and supporters and act in ways that engender support.
• Deal with decision makers: See the world through the eyes of decision makers and provide the information and input they need when they need it.
• Work with different types: Recognize differences among people and adapt their approach to address them.
• Develop an influence plan: Leave with a detailed plan for what they will do and achieve.
• Act ethically: Recognize the ethical perils in influence and persuasion and learn to steer clear of problems.
The course will use a variety of teaching methods, including case studies, panel discussions, and study groups.
Lead Instructors
Eric Svaren is the founder and principal of Groupsmith, a Seattle-based firm specializing in helping managers and employees who are stuck to get traction by improving cooperation, bringing new perspectives, and resolving conflicts. His clients include a wide variety of state and local government agencies throughout Washington State. Before launching Groupsmith in 2000, Svaren managed a labor and management program for the City of Seattle designed to increase employee participation in the improvement of service delivery. He also worked as a public-policy analyst for Seattle City Council Member Tom Weeks and city departments, and as a human-services planner for a regional nonprofit. He earned his master’s degree in organizational sociology and social psychology from the University of Washington.
Diana Gale is a senior lecturer emeritus at the Evans School of Public Affairs. She became the first director of Seattle Public Utilities when the department was created in 1997. She was responsible for all aspects of Seattle’s utilities including water, sewer, drainage, solid waste, engineering services, and customer services. Previously, she served as the superintendent of the Seattle Water Department, a regional provider. Prior to that, she was the director of Seattle’s Office of Management and Budget. She earned her baccalaureate degree from Wellesley College in history and political science, and her master’s and doctoral degrees in urban planning from the University of Washington.
Course Location, Date, and Tuition
| Date |
Wednesday-Thursday, October 29-30, 2008 |
| Course Times |
8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. daily |
| Course Codes |
08Charge |
| Tuition |
Early / Evans |
$850 |
| Regular |
|
| Early Registration Deadline |
August 30, 2008 |
| Cancellation Deadline |
October 8, 2008 |
| Location |
Talaris Conference Center, Seattle, Washington |
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