Elevating
Elevating is about raising a person’s position, acknowledging their authority, and recognizing their contribution.
How to Elevate
Elevate individuals by providing them opportunities to be more visible. That could be as easy as amplifying their voice and making sure they receive credit for their ideas.
You might also look for new projects, stretch assignments, or opportunities for the individual to demonstrate leadership and become more visible.
Elevating is an activity that you need to do with someone else’s permission, so you will need to build up to actions in this area. Consider initiating a 1:1 discussion with them to talk about their aspirations and ask for permission.
Here are some ways to open that discussion:
- “I have been really impressed with the work you have done on XX and YY. I was curious if you wanted to do more work like that?”
- “I noticed we have not had a review on the work you have done on XX and YY. Are you interested in sharing it more broadly across the team?”
- “What plans might you have to bring the work you are doing on XX and YY to management’s attention? Can I help you make that happen?”
- “In my experience, to build momentum on a project, you need to have a forum for executive sponsorship. Do you feel like you have that? If not, I think I can help you build it. Would you want my insight and assistance?”
Your Elevating Assignment
Notice who in your organization is getting a lot of visibility and who is not. Identify 3 or 4 projects that have high executive visibility and reflect on how the leader of that initiative was selected (if you have any insight).
Reflect on who in your organization has the capability to do bigger things but may not have had the opportunity yet.
Do you have an opportunity to help them elevate their visibility? If so, consider initiating a 1:1 discussion with them to talk about their aspirations and what opportunities they see for themselves.
Use the Elevating section of your ALLIES Activity packet to record what you noticed, what you said or did, and what the impact was.