What is the key principle for leading people who do not report to you?

• A. Lead through the people they report to, with individual attention.
• B. Directly command them without regard to their supervisor.
• C. Rely solely on written memos.
• D. Reassign their reporting structure.

Answer: (A)

Leading people who don’t report to you relies on influence rather than formal authority. The most effective approach is to work through the person they do report to, ensuring goals are aligned and expectations are clear, while also connecting with each contributor on an individual level to coach, support, and recognize their progress. By coordinating with the supervisor and engaging the team members with their supervisor’s backing, you maintain the organizational structure while guiding performance. This builds trust, clarifies purpose, and motivates people by addressing their unique contributions. Directly commanding them isn’t appropriate when you lack formal authority, and relying solely on written memos misses the personal engagement that motivates sustained effort. Reassigning reporting lines isn’t a practical day-to-day solution.