The phrase “influence above/influence from below” often signifies a struggle in career progression, especially if used repeatedly without clear outcomes. If you face this feedback after years, it may be time to seek new opportunities. Regardless, honesty from supervisors is crucial for employee growth.
If you’re in the corporate world, it’s probably not unusual to have heard the “influence leaders from above/influence from below” phrase before. Maybe it has even crept into a couple of AI-generated resumes (gasp!). But what does it really mean?
If you are the one hearing it, chances are that it’s being integrated into your performance management plan. You will then embark in a series of activities that expose you to working with leaders to present information or ideas that are typically associated with more polished, big-picture thinking.
If you’re the one saying it, chances are you have a high-performing individual who is seeking a leadership or management position, and this is a safe way for them to develop this skillset.
Now, let’s say you’ve hearing this phrase for the last 10 years. I hate to break this to you, but chances are your career aspiration ship has sailed (or sunk). I guess it’s always possible you haven’t been able to figure out how to “influence above” over a decade, but that’s not likely. A sad, likely truth is that your supervisor is buying time before you leave to a competitor, or until your ambition is reduced just enough so you stay where you are. Either way, you’re likely feeling you have lots in common with someone standing under a pigeon.
Yes, that’s a messy assessment, but in all fairness, what does “leading from below”, exactly mean? Can you quantify or measure it so you know you’ve achieved it? Or is it SO complex, so nuanced or metaphysical that it takes years to learn or figure it out? Sarcasm aside, ultimately, it’s just a subjective measure used by your supervisor and no, it doesn’t take a decade to figure it out. You either can or can’t.
If you’re still getting this feedback after a several years, then it’s time to get an umbrella or move under a different tree. If you’re the one dispensing the advice, then my advice is, just be honest and let your employee know sooner than later. They will certainly thank you for it, even if it’s from their new office elsewhere.
Twistymind 
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