Leading from the Middle: Transforming Organizations Through Influence
March 19, 2024
In a captivating keynote address on March 8 at the NDA Annual Convention and Expo in San Antonio, Mikel Bowman, a seasoned consultant specializing in leadership development and organizational culture, shared a transformative tale of leadership in the face of adversity. Drawing from his rich background as a former senior safety director in the mining industry, Bowman recounted a remarkable journey of turning around a troubled project by leading from the middle.
The narrative Bowman painted was stark. The project was plagued with systemic issues: noncompliance with safety standards, neglect of equipment, inadequate site cleanup, and a toxic work environment where employees felt unsupported and demoralized. As Bowman faced the daunting challenge of addressing these problems, he found himself bound by constraints: he couldn’t retaliate, fire the site foreman or rely on a budget. With 75 employees at stake, and minimal support from higher-ups, the odds seemed stacked against him.
However, Bowman’s approach defied conventional wisdom. He didn’t resort to blame or intimidation. Instead, he embraced a leadership style that prioritized collaboration, empathy and accountability. He outlined his principles succinctly: an unwavering commitment to seeing everyone succeed, active listening, shared decision-making, focus on solutions rather than finger-pointing, and leading by example by getting his hands dirty alongside his team.
Crucially, Bowman emphasized the power of attitude in leadership. He maintained a positive demeanor even in the face of setbacks, recognizing that his attitude not only shaped his own success but also influenced the morale of those around him. His leadership philosophy was grounded in the belief that lasting change doesn’t solely rest in the hands of executives; it can be driven from any level of the organization.
The results of Bowman’s approach were striking. Through his methodical efforts and unwavering commitment, the project saw a remarkable turnaround. Compliance and safety standards were met, equipment was properly maintained and site cleanup improved significantly. Employee morale soared, productivity increased and client satisfaction reached new heights.
What Bowman achieved was more than just a checklist of tasks completed. He forged genuine connections with his team, earning their trust and loyalty in the process. By valuing their input, involving them in decision-making, and demonstrating his willingness to support them in every aspect of their work, Bowman fostered a culture of collaboration and empowerment.
Bowman’s keynote serves as a powerful reminder that effective leadership is not about authority or hierarchy; it’s about influence and impact. By leading from the middle, he exemplified how leaders can drive meaningful change by empowering those around them, fostering a culture of trust and accountability, and maintaining a relentless focus on shared goals.