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Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat: Security, Audit and Leadership Series

Autor Christopher Stitt
en Limba Engleză Hardback – 26 oct 2025
Leadership doesn’t start at the top— it starts with you.
Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat is an honest, engaging, and research-informed exploration of what it means to lead from the bottom and middle of an organization—especially within complex systems that aren’t always built for innovation, agility, or humanity.
Drawing on more than 25 years of experience as a federal law enforcement officer, diplomat, educator, and public servant, author Christopher Stitt brings a rare combination of street- level credibility and scholarly insight to the leadership conversation. Throughout the book, he weaves together personal stories from his global assignments with contemporary leadership research from behavioral science, organizational psychology, and decision- making theory.
The result is a practical and thought- provoking field guide for those who are tired of waiting for permission to lead—and ready to make a difference right where they are. In these pages, you’ll find lessons on how to influence up, down, and across your organization. You’ll learn how to build trust, coach others, think strategically, and maintain your integrity even when politics or process get in the way. You’ll discover why the middle of the organizational pyramid isnot a waiting room for the next promotion—it’s the center of gravity where culture, performance, and credibility are either built or broken.
Whether you’re managing teams in a government agency, navigating the  corporate hierarchy, or trying to make change from within a large institution, Scaling Pyramids offers you a road map grounded in both lived experienc and real evidence. With a voice that is both candid and deeply practical, Stitt reminds us that leadership isn’t about rank—it’s about showing up, stepping up, and speaking up in the moments that matter.
If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underutilized, or underestimated in your role, this book is for you.
It’s time to lead. Not someday—now.
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Specificații

ISBN-13: 9781041088677
ISBN-10: 1041088671
Pagini: 178
Ilustrații: 16
Dimensiuni: 156 x 234 x 11 mm
Greutate: 0.49 kg
Ediția:1
Editura: CRC Press
Colecția CRC Press
Seria Security, Audit and Leadership Series


Public țintă

Professional Practice & Development, Professional Reference, and Professional Training

Cuprins

Introduction: Why This Book, My Path Through My BureaucracyPart One – Leading YourselfUnderstand Who Shaped You: Differing Role ModelsUnderstanding Your Values: A Scout Is…Understanding Your Strengths and Weaknesses: I May Like Computers Better Than People, But I Still Need People to Run the ComputersUnderstanding Limits: It’s Not a Stroke, Just a MigraineSelf-Care and Personal Growth: Take an Excursion, Get Some Perspective, Use Your Head in a New or Different WayManage Your Followership Style: Change Is Constant, Even in the Same Organization You Still Need to Make AdjustmentsManaging Impressions – “Start Slowly, Then Taper Off”Part Two – Leading Others8. Differentiating Motivations: Employees Are Like Snowflakes, No Two Are the Same9. Building Alliances: If You Want to Lead the Pack, You Need to Identify and Deal with the Alpha10. Team Dynamics: Reprimand All to Punish No One?11. Leadership Character: When Making Rules, Plan to Enforce Them12. Developing Others: Be a Good Dungeon Master13. How to Use Awards: “You Like Me, You Really, Really Like Me!”14. Collaboration: The Spotlight Is Brighter When You Share ItPart Three – Leading Organizations15. Communicating Up the Pyramid: We Need to Feed the Beast, but We Try to Give It Bites That It Can Chew16. Communicating Vision: The Problem with Having a Vision Is Getting Others to See17. Navigating the Pyramid: Managing Up Can Be Tough, Try Managing Sideways First, Then Up18. Leveraging Project Teams: “I Am Not a Committee”19. Building Relationships: Show Up, Even If You Aren’t Sure You Feel Like It20. Simple Encouragement: Smile and Wave21. Roadblocks: But What If the Section Head Is the Problem?22. Having an Impact: Lead Well and Not Only Will People Follow You, They Will Name Their Children After You23. Staying Motivated: Starting Is Easy, Finishing Is Another StoryEpilogue

Notă biografică

Christopher Stitt is a former federal security and law enforcement leader with over 25 years of experience as a Supervisory Special Agent with the U.S. State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service. He has held leadership roles in multiple countries and has served as an advisor to U.S. Ambassadors. He is the founder of CrisisLead, LLC, where he consults organizations on risk navigation and preparedness. He holds multiple professional certifications in security and emergency management and has a diverse academic background, including degrees in sociology, psychology, strategic intelligence, organizational presilience, and an Executive MBA.

Recenzii

In "Scaling Pyramids," Chris offers a candid and insightful exploration of the often-misunderstood world of bureaucracy. As his friend, I've had the privilege of witnessing his dedication and thoughtful approach to leadership. This book is a testament to his journey through the "Department of Pyramids," where he navigated the complexities of hierarchical structures while fostering a culture of accountability and efficiency.
Chris's experiences, from his early days as an entry-level employee to his mid-level management roles, are filled with valuable lessons on leadership and personal growth. He shares practical advice on understanding your values, managing your strengths and weaknesses, and the importance of self-care. His stories about leading others are equally compelling, offering strategies for building alliances, motivating employees, and developing leadership character.
What sets this book apart is Chris's ability to relate his experiences to broader organizational principles. Whether you're an entry-level employee or a mid-level manager, you'll find his insights on communicating vision, navigating the pyramid, and leveraging project teams incredibly useful. Chris's approach to leadership is both practical and inspiring, making this book a must-read for anyone in a leadership role, and those endeavoring to someday be.
Nick Anderson, CEO OneAccord
In my executive coaching work, I frequently encounter new professionals trying to understand how to manage teams and navigate a bureaucracy. Too often leadership books target senior level leaders managing down, but there is not enough support for the entry- or mid- level manager trying to manage up. In Scaling Pyramids, Chris dives into this conundrum with a practical guide containing real life lessons on how to navigate an organization and maximize influence.
Grounding his readers in tried and tested values, Chris balances his actual experience in crisis management with immediately applicable lessons on how to gain traction with fresh ideas, deal with the Alpha in an office, and stand out from the group while keeping the team in front. Whether it's responding to 9/11 while overseas or revamping an entirely new Department as a low level manager, Chris guides his readers with a fresh approach in how to apply leadership principles he has personally learned regardless of the complexity of the situation. Professionals will come away better equipped to manage their teams, navigate their bureaucracies, and find upward success while holding true to their values. A book not to be missed.
Stephanie Mikulasek, ServantEDGE Coaching
Former U.S. Diplomat
“I am a mid-level bureaucrat.” Christopher Stitt begins this book Scaling Pyramids with a startling statement given the socio-political environment we live in. What can I possibly learn from being stuck in the swamp? But what he discovers is that this is every man’s journey, every organization’s journey. And there is a way to navigate this human organizational construct that delivers purpose, dignity, and value.

Ron Worman, The Sage Group®
Chris’ portrayal of his lived experience as a mid-level government bureaucrat is a masterclass in navigating leadership challenges in both government and corporate settings. Leaders in the industry will identify with the challenges he describes and will take note of the best practices and solutions. This book is a simple to digest and good read for anyone embarking on their first leadership position in government or the private sector.
Brian Cooke, DSS Special Agent – Retired,
Fortune 25 company security leader,
Security & Intelligence Consultant
Who knew you could learn about leadership from a long-time mid-level government employee? You can when he's Christopher Stitt, a self-described bureaucrat who navigated his way to leadership--in practice and influence if not in title--during an impressive career at the Department of State.
To generalize his experiences, Stitt uses the playful "Department of Pyramids" as a stand-in for his actual employer. He mines his globetrotting governmental career to provide unexpected insights into leadership, tying in lessons from his youth as an Eagle Scout and a Dungeons & Dragons devotee. Nuggets of wisdom emerge from such far-flung posts in Central America and Africa.
With wit and warmth, Chris describes his journey and leaves helpful breadcrumbs for fellow bureaucrats with leadership aspirations. It's a compelling read from a charmingly earnest guide.
Michael Gips, Managing Director for ESRM at Kroll
Former Chief Knowledge Officer at ASIS International
#1Globally Ranked thought leader in security
Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat by Christopher Stitt is a refreshing and grounded take on what it means to lead from the middle of complex organizations. Drawing on more than two decades of experience as a U.S. Diplomatic Security Service Special Agent, educator, and public servant, Stitt reframes bureaucracy not as red tape, but as the structural backbone that enables accountability and progress. 
Through personal stories from global assignments, reflections on values shaped by Scouting, and insights from organizational psychology, he shows how leadership begins with self-awareness, integrity, and the ability to act decisively amid uncertainty.
What makes this book stand out is its candor and practicality. Stitt doesn’t write from an ivory tower; he writes from the "I have been in the trenches" of real-world leadership, where influence often matters more than authority. His “Department of Pyramids” metaphor captures the essence of hierarchical systems while reminding readers that true leadership flows in all directions: up, down, and sideways. Each chapter blends reflection and actionable advice, covering everything from managing impressions and motivating diverse teams to navigating toxic supervisors and sustaining morale. It’s a field guide for those tired of waiting for permission to lead.
Ultimately, Scaling Pyramids is a call to action for the often-overlooked middle tier of organizations, the people who keep institutions running and cultures alive. Stitt’s message is simple but profound: leadership doesn’t start at the top; it starts with you. With authenticity, humility, and a deep sense of purpose, he invites readers to turn bureaucratic systems into platforms for growth, service, and trust. The result is a compelling, values-driven roadmap that reminds us leadership is less about title and more about the courage to show up and make a difference where you are.
Joshua Copeland, Director of Cybersecurity
 
Scaling Pyramids is one of the most refreshing and grounded leadership books I’ve read in years. Christopher Stitt has accomplished something rare: he has written a leadership guide that is honest, practical, and genuinely useful for anyone navigating the complexities of a modern organization, whether government, corporate, or anything in between.

What struck me immediately is the book’s authenticity. Chris doesn’t write from the perspective of someone perched at the top of the pyramid. Instead, he shares the realities of leading from the middle, where most real leadership actually happens. Through candid stories drawn from more than two decades of service, including global assignments, high-pressure crisis environments, and matrixed bureaucracies, he illustrates lessons that are both relatable and actionable.

The book is structured in a way that mirrors the true progression of leadership: leading yourself, leading others, and leading your organization. Each section is packed with insights that are rooted in lived experience, not theory. Whether he’s unpacking the influence of early role models, explaining how to adapt your leadership style to different supervisors, or detailing how to build alliances and motivate diverse teams, Chris communicates with a clarity and humility that make the book remarkably accessible.

What I particularly appreciated was how seamlessly he integrates personal narrative with research-backed leadership concepts. From behavioral science to organizational psychology, the ideas are presented in a practical, conversational way that feels immediately applicable. His discussion of values, trustworthiness, loyalty, service, kindness, reminds us that leadership begins with character long before it shows up on an org chart.

The anecdotes alone make the book memorable. Chris shares everything from overcoming migraines brought on by stress, to navigating life-changing overseas assignments, to the realities of supervising difficult employees. At every turn he emphasizes resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of understanding the “pyramids” we all operate within.

Most importantly, Scaling Pyramids reinforces a message that resonates deeply in today’s workplace: leadership isn’t about rank, it’s about impact. Chris shows how influence is built through consistency, integrity, and the willingness to show up for others, even when authority or resources are limited.

Highly recommended.

Eddie Sorrells, CPP, PSP, PCI
CEO, DSI Security


Eloquent and expressive while providing deep strategic and tactical insights, author Christopher Stitt hits paydirt with a powerful and actionable survival guide in his book “Scaling Pyramids”. A book highly relevant to both the neophyte looking to get started, or the seasoned veteran working to survive, and thrive, in large bureaucratic organizational systems.
Scaling Pyramids provides a compass for navigating one’s career through organizations of any size by developing a servant leadership mindset; where serving the best interests of the team is absolutely in the best interest of the servant leader. “In my experience, the best leaders are the ones who are lifelong students of leadership. They constantly learn, reflect, and adjust their skills and styles to meet the moment”.

As someone who’s spent more than half my life in large global enterprises, everything that Christopher expresses in Scaling Pyramids reflects my own career journey. Meaning that an open mindset of perpetual adaptation to changing circumstances is paramount to success, as is the need for self-care; treating ourselves as a precious and limited resource as a fundamental attribute to survival in the contemporary world. Adaptability is key, as every organization is in a constant state of change; in other words, the organization itself is adapting to a dynamic and fast paced world, with more variables than any person or system can process at any given time. Christopher provides a timely and relevant guidebook on how to deliver results in any bureaucratic reality the reader may be presented with when navigating the oceans and tides of global business realities.

Forrest R. Foster
CISA, CISSP, CRISC, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor
Cloud Compliance Essentials, a Division of Erudite Media, LLC.

Christopher Stitt’s book, “Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat”, provides an authentic look at leadership at the often-overlooked middle levels of organisations. Drawing on over 25 years of experience as a federal law enforcement officer, diplomat, and educator, Stitt weaves a compelling narrative combining personal stories with research from behavioural science and organisational psychology. Unlike typical leadership books centred on top executives, this work focuses on those working on the ground—individuals who keep organisations running but rarely receive recognition. Stitt’s tone is honest, witty, and pragmatic, highlighting that leadership is based on influence, integrity, and initiative, rather than titles.

The book is divided into three sections: “Leading Yourself,” “Leading Others,” and “Leading Organisations. " It takes readers on a clear and logical path in developing their leadership skills. Each chapter includes real-world examples and humour to keep readers engaged and entertained, covering topics like managing team dynamics and navigating bureaucratic systems with ease. Notable are Stitt’s insights into understanding personal values, communicating effectively with superiors, and maintaining motivation in resistant systems. His tone balances mentorship with companionship, making the book both educational and inspiring. "Scaling Pyramids " serves as a practical guide for those eager to lead without waiting for permission and to make an impact where they are. For anyone feeling stuck or underestimated in their organisation, this book offers thoughtful reflection and practical guidance for meaningful leadership.

“Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat” is celebrated worldwide as a genuinely authentic and highly motivating examination of practical leadership. Critics commend it as an exemplary guide in humility, bravery, and purpose-oriented management, referring to it as “a rare gem that redefines what it means to lead from the middle.” Internationally, audiences find it transformative, insightful, and ageless—a book that crosses cultural and professional boundaries and leaves a lasting impression on both emerging and experienced leaders.
Thanks for providing an opportunity to review this book.

Dr. Sunil Kumar
Associate Professor
Faculty of Management and Commerce
ICFAI University Tripura, India

This is a very honest and very useful book! Anyone from those making their first step into a supervisor role to those aspiring to become an executive should read it.

It offers some extremely astute observations and some very practical advice and helps the reader to understand "how it all works".

Strongly recommend it to a very wide spectrum of readers, including students, who usually don't understand what expects them in the workplace.

Dr Vladas Leonas
Adjunct Professor, Australian Graduate School of Leadership

 

Descriere

Scaling Pyramids: Leadership Lessons from a Mid-Level Bureaucrat is an honest, engaging, and research-informed exploration of what it means to lead from the bottom and middle of an organization—especially within complex systems that aren’t always built for innovation, agility, or humanity.