Leadership in the Middle: Leading and Following at the Same Time
When most people think of leadership, they envision someone at the very top - setting a vision, making significant decisions, and guiding others. This is a more Western perspective. Still, in reality, leadership often occurs in the middle, where we are responsible for guiding our team while also being accountable to leaders above us.
At Coppertop Consulting, we work with tribal nations and organizations to strengthen leadership at every level. Understanding how to navigate the middle space is critical for building organizations that are resilient, collaborative, and effective.
The Tension of the Middle
Middle leaders live in a space of tension. On one hand, they are responsible for advancing a vision, supporting a team, and solving problems. On the other hand, they must remain responsive to guidance and aligned with the organization's larger goals.
Instead of seeing this tension as a burden, effective middle leaders see it as an opportunity to build bridges, strengthen collaboration, and model humility.
Following Well
Great leaders in the middle know how to follow. This doesn’t mean blind obedience; it means:
Listening carefully to direction and intent.
Asking thoughtful questions that strengthen shared understanding.
Respecting the wisdom of those with more experience while contributing your perspective.
Following well builds trust upward and ensures alignment with the organization’s larger mission.
Leading Well
At the same time, middle leaders have a responsibility to their teams. They must:
Clarify expectations and priorities.
Create a sense of purpose and ownership for their team.
Protect their people from confusion or unnecessary pressure.
Encourage growth, creativity, and accountability.
Leading well builds trust downward and ensures teams feel supported and empowered.
The Power of Both
When you learn to lead and follow simultaneously, you become a stabilizing force in your organization. You translate vision into action, bridge gaps between strategy and implementation, and cultivate trust in both directions.
At Coppertop Consulting, we help organizations develop these leadership skills across all levels. By coaching leaders to navigate both roles effectively, we strengthen the structures, policies, and relationships that allow organizations—and the communities they serve—to thrive.
Reflection
If you are leading in the middle, ask yourself:
How well am I following those above me?
How well am I leading those I serve?
Where can I strengthen the bridge between the two?
Leadership in the middle is not easy, but it is where ideas become reality and organizations grow stronger. With the right attitude, middle leaders can transform both their teams and the broader community. It’s a paradigm shift!
