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The proposition of the 360 degree leader implies that most of us in leadership positions are leading from the middle.  Leading from the middle presents obstacles that leaders at the top simply don't experience.  Leading from the middle requires us to lead in all directions - up, down, and across.  The point of this and subsequent articles on this topic is to give you some things to think about and hopefully some additional "tools" to have in your tool box when navigating your way through life.
 
When thinking about leading from the middle, an excellent place to start is with us, and the first principle of Leading Up is to Lead Yourself Exceptionally Well.  In his book, The 360 Degree Leader, John Maxwell says "The key to leading yourself well is to learn self-management.  I have observed that most people put too much emphasis on decision making and too little on decision managing.  As a result, they lack focus, discipline, intentionality, and purpose."  Let's explore the areas that are most important for us to self-manage - your emotions, your time, your priorities, your energy, your thinking, your words, and your personal life.
 
Manage your emotions - Managing your emotions does not mean that you don't have them.  As a leader you will have emotions about the things that matter most to you.  The key is to be in touch with your emotions and choose when, how, and to whom you express them. 
 
Manage your time - Time management for a middle manager can be particularly tricky since your time is not your own and the assumption can be that you will do what it takes to get the job done.  So, chose wisely how you spend your time.
 
Manage your priorities - Leaders in the middle wear multiple hats and don't always have control over your responsibilities or your schedule so your priorities need to be continually shifting.  Maxwell suggests the following - "80 percent of your time - work where you are strongest; 15 percent of your time - work where you are learning; and 5 percent of your time - work in other necessary areas."
 
Manage your energy - We like to think that our energy is endless but that simply isn't true.  Understanding what circumstances and people are energy drainers versus those that feed you is critical.  Only you can create the balance that is required to keep your energy level full.
 
Manage your thinking - Good leaders need good thinking time.  Middle leaders are often the busiest in the organization and planning time to think is essential to your effectiveness.  John Maxwell shares a disciplined approach to this by suggesting the use of a "thinking chair," a designated chair in your office where you sit down with an agenda and simply think.  Try not to make the agenda too daunting and don't exceed 30-minute increments in your chair.
 
Manage your words - Words are powerful but when used carelessly or excessively can cause problems.  As a leader your words will be measured by those around you.  "If you have something worthwhile to say, say it briefly and well.  If you don't, sometimes the best thing to do is remain silent."
 
Manage your personal life - Balance in your work life and home life are critical to your sustained happiness.  "You can do everything right at work and manage yourself well there, but if your personal life is a mess, it will eventually turn everything else sour."  It doesn't serve you to succeed at work and sacrifice your family.
 
(Excerpts taken from The 360 Degree Leader by John C. Maxwell)