According to the authors' comments on Leading Up and Down the Chain of Command, which statement is not true?

• A. Don't tell your leader what you're going to do, ask him first and get approval.
• B. Leading Up the Chain requires tactical engagement with the immediate boss to obtain the decisions and support.
• C. Leading Down the Chain requires stepping out of the office and engaging with frontline troops.
• D. Breaking the us versus them mentality is key to Leading Up and Down.

Answer: (A)

Leading Up and Down the Chain of Command is about taking initiative while keeping open, practical communication across the hierarchy. It means you actively engage with your boss to shape decisions and secure support, and you also reach out to those you lead to ensure alignment and effective execution. The idea is to share your plans, explain the rationale, and seek input or buy-in as appropriate, rather than hiding intentions or always waiting for approval after you’ve already acted. So the statement that you should never tell your leader what you’re going to do and must always get approval first doesn’t fit this approach. The other ideas reflect true aspects: engaging the immediate boss to obtain decisions and support, stepping out of the office to talk with frontline troops, and breaking down an us-versus-them mentality to foster collaboration across the chain.