How to Get Back Up

As business priorities change, certain parts of the company inevitably will command influence and visibility while others get sidelined.... Are you being sidelined because of poor relationships with those in a key position of influence? Or is it just that you have been kept out of the loop in a few meetings or recent emails? By doing a bit of investigation and trying your best to assume positive intent in others, you can better prepare a strategy to improve your influence among key teams and colleagues.

Another common reason why some departments get sidelined is because of a damaged reputation within the company, often due to the missteps of a former leader. If you happen to be a new leader of a team that suffers from the sins of your predecessor, it's critical that you intentionally set out on a rebranding effort, not just passively sit on the sidelines.

Don't badmouth the former leader but communicate your new vision with the team and other stakeholders with vigour. You may tell them, 'Our department is focused on driving the enterprise forward and we are actively learning how to build deeper trust with your team than ever before.' If you don't control your department's narrative and work to replace the 'old tapes' in their minds, you risk never regaining a seat at the table.


From 'Does It Feel Like Your Department Has Been Sidelined?', Harvard Business Review