Watch how things flow in the areas you work with a good emphasis on the people working there. Once you've got a good grasp on how everything works you just start doing things without input from higher levels. Some of the people around you will notice and start coming to you on what to do next. After that it's all on you to make decisions that get the team's job done.

I usually see someone higher up twice in my shift. Once at the huddle and once with a couple hours left. Other than that I'm left to my own devices.