Navigating a leadership void
I’m excited to offer new in-person leadership workshops this summer — learn more at the end of this post!
One day, out of the blue, my boss announced he was leaving the company.
I was shocked. Just yesterday we were working on next year’s product roadmap, and now I didn’t even know how the next few weeks would play out.
The rest of the team was equally surprised and unsure of how to proceed. My skip-level hastily made some decisions in an attempt to stabilize the situation:
“Can you temporarily cover project A until we fill this role?”
“For now, let’s have you report to X.”
The months that followed my manager’s sudden departure marked a very unsettling time for me professionally. I had lost a close and trusted ally, leaving me feeling disconnected from the rest of the company. My interim boss seemed preoccupied and took little interest in my work. The office atmosphere was tense, as we all wondered whether we were on rocket ship or sinking ship.
If you have ever had a boss who was absent or disengaged, regardless of their physical presence, you understand how difficult it can be to stay focused and motivated without clear leadership and direction. You might also worry that your career goals have been put on hold—how can you advocate for advancement or additional resources when there seems to be no one available to facilitate these opportunities?
Here are five actions you can take to not only survive but thrive during times of leadership turbulence and uncertainty:
Secure support quickly
Identify your existing allies, partners, and sponsors inside and outside of your company. Reach out to them with a brief update on your status, current responsibilities, and request their advice on your near-term goals or next steps.
Example message:
“Hey Jen — I hope you are doing well. As you know, I’ve been managing X for the last two years. With the recent org changes, I would love to discuss how I can continue to partner with your team to ensure we are serving the needs of our customers. Please let me know if you have time to meet this week. I always appreciate your insightful perspectives and look forward to chatting soon.”
Stay visible
In the absence of a strong leader championing your work, it’s essential to proactively showcase the value you bring to the team. Share updates with key players, request to be included in important meetings, and establish effective processes to highlight your contributions.
Example email:
Hi [interim boss],
For the past year, I’ve been managing a dashboard to track key performance and financial metrics for project Y. The file can be found here [insert link] for your reference.
I would be happy to send you a metrics snapshot every Thursday to ensure you have the latest updates going into your Friday morning leadership sync-up. Let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you prepare for this discussion.
Thanks!
Take initiative
During chaotic and uncertain times, avoid getting caught up in negativity. Focus on identifying tangible ways to add value and support your team. Ask questions that show your willingness to contribute positively:
How can I support our team better?
What should my main focus be right now?
What can I do to make your job easier?
I’m currently managing project A. Is this still aligned with our organization’s goals, or are there other areas where I can be more useful?
Keep a record
Leadership gaps can often lead to disorganization and confusion. People may later question what was done, what was said, and how events transpired. Document your tasks, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and outcomes achieved. This detailed record will be invaluable for future reference, career advancement discussions, and demonstrating your resilience and adaptability.
Stay prepared
Anticipate changes and be ready to add value or step into new roles as the organizational landscape evolves. Maintain open lines of communication with new and existing leadership to stay relevant.
Example requests:
Would it be possible to set up a regular 1:1 so I can brief you on ongoing projects?
Given the urgency, I’m happy to step into this role.
Closing thoughts
During a leadership void, you can either wait for the dust to settle or take proactive steps to establish yourself as a key player. Use this time to demonstrate your leadership initiative and explore new opportunities. Remember, leadership voids are temporary, but how you handle them can have a lasting impact on your career.
Upcoming Leadership Course Offerings:
This summer, I’m excited to offer the following courses for both professionals and students:
BUS 110: Leadership Workshop for Women: Strategies and Skills for Excellence
2 day in-person leadership course at Stanford University, July 13-14, 10am-4pm PT
BUS 160W: Leadership Skills for Women in the Workplace
8 week online leadership course, July 8 - August 30
2024 Miss CEO Summer Leadership Lab
2 day in-person program designed for high school girls interested in learning valuable leadership skills, finding mentors, and exploring innovative careers. Takes place in Atherton, CA on July 20-21, 10am-2pm PT.