It is not only about the people above you but also about a certain subset of stakeholders who to a considerable degree affect your ability to deliver the expected results.
So figure out what it is your superior and your superior's superiors are looking for. Particularly when staff are dispersed regionally, there are often multiple people acting in a leading role. Leadership may be connected to:
- Geography
- Business line
- Functional area
So you need to understand what matters to all of your possible superiors. One thing you can be sure of is that their incentives will differ at least in some aspects, according to management-issues.com.
Identify those who hold real power
Think about who there is above you who would be displeased if you didn’t deliver on your tasks. Chances are that these people are on the same level as your main superior.
Consider which of your subordinates might jeopardise achieving the desired outcomes. Identify people whose absence or quitting would be damaging or even fatal to your projects.
Consider also who your organisation's key customers are. Are there any outsourced operations that would be hard to replace if they stopped providing the service? Are any of your suppliers of critical components vital to your projects?
Learn about them
Whom do these people consult when they need advice on specific issues? For example, if you are leading a project that is externally visible, you should know whom your boss is going to consult regarding PR or investor relations. Identify such go-to persons and make sure you integrate their interests in your efforts.
That way, when these people are consulted, the outcome will be favourable for you and your project.
-jk-