Leading from the Middle: Practical Lessons for Higher Ed Leaders

Most leaders don’t sit at the very top of the organization. They work in the middle—balancing responsibilities to those above, those they lead, and their peers across the institution. It’s a tough place to be, but also where some of the most important change happens.

Dr. Michelle Loyet, interim Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management at Webster University, has lived this reality. In a recent conversation, she shared strategies for “managing up, down, and across” in higher education.

Her lessons apply to anyone leading from the middle:

• Build buy-in, don’t force compliance. Change initiatives succeed when people see results for themselves. Proof of concept builds trust faster than mandates.
• Find your champions. Whether it’s a supportive supervisor or a peer with influence, identify allies who can advocate for your ideas.
• Invite, don’t coerce. People engage more fully when they’re invited into innovation, rather than ordered to adopt it.
• Complement strengths. Effective partnerships form when leaders bring different strengths to the table and respect what others contribute.

Leading from the middle requires persistence, creativity, and a respect for people’s perspectives. It’s about finding ways to remove barriers, empower your team, and work collaboratively across boundaries.

Michelle’s experience reminds us that leadership isn’t defined by title—it’s defined by how effectively you build coalitions and move things forward.

Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Michelle Loyet on the Engaged by Design Podcast to hear more about managing from the middle, the power of invitation, and what roller derby taught her about leadership.