Leading from Where You Are: The Impact of Secondary Leaders in Change Management
Document Type
Dissertation
Publication Date
Spring 5-3-2025
Keywords
Secondary Leaders, Leadership Development, Organizational Change, Middle Management
Abstract
This manuscript spotlights secondary leaders – those bridging executive vision with frontline operations – who often lack focused support yet play a pivotal role in guiding organizational change. This manuscript adopts a literature-based methodology to address a gap in leadership studies that primarily emphasize top-level executives or entry-level managers. It draws on global insights from Germany, China, and the UK. The central research question asks how secondary leaders can be empowered to transform high-level directives into measurable outcomes. Findings indicate that clarifying mandates, refining communication protocols, and granting targeted decision-making autonomy significantly bolster team morale, resilience, and day-to-day execution. Well-defined responsibilities, trust-building practices, and consistent support structures also reduce resistance to change while deepening alignment with strategic aims. Concluding recommendations include leadership development initiatives designed explicitly for secondary leaders and practical strategies that enhance collaborative reach. By emphasizing their vital yet underrecognized position, this manuscript shows how investing in secondary leadership development can bridge strategic aspirations with practical realities. This work demonstrates that empowering these leaders who serve as conduits between conceptual vision and frontline implementation promotes agility and ethical workplace cultures and fosters sustainable growth across diverse organizational contexts.
Recommended Citation
Beauregard, Stephanie R., "Leading from Where You Are: The Impact of Secondary Leaders in Change Management" (2025). College of Arts and Cultural Studies Doctor of Strategic Leadership (DSL) Projects. 1.
https://digitalshowcase.oru.edu/coacs_dsl_projects/1
