I recently took on three mentees in different career and life stages! Same week, all three asked about “managing up” as two were struggling with feeling like they were meeting their bosses expectations and one just had been reorganized with a new boss.
In the intricate web of corporate America, it is true that success often
hinges not just on how well you manage your team, but also on how effectively
you manage your relationship with your boss (and their boss). This concept,
known as "managing up," involves understanding your manager's needs,
working style, and expectations to foster a productive and harmonious working
relationship. It's a strategic approach that can propel your career forward,
improve your work environment, and lead to greater job satisfaction.
As I told my mentees, I am not an expert and have done many thing wrong
in this area. But I also have learned
much in my thirty years and would offer this advice on how you can master the
art of managing up.
Understand Your Boss's Priorities and
Goals
The first step in managing up is gaining a clear understanding of your
boss's priorities and goals. This involves proactive communication and
observation. Schedule regular one-on-one meetings to discuss their objectives
and how your role fits into the bigger picture. Pay attention to what they
emphasize in meetings and the types of projects they prioritize. By aligning
your efforts with their goals, you demonstrate that you are a valuable asset
who is committed to the team’s success.
Adapt to Their Communication Style
Effective communication is the cornerstone of managing up. Different
managers have different communication preferences—some may prefer detailed
reports, while others might favor quick, concise updates. Take note of how your
boss communicates and tailor your style to match theirs. If they appreciate
regular updates, make sure you provide them. If they prefer to discuss things
in person rather than via email, adjust accordingly. By adapting to their
preferred communication style, you can ensure your messages are received
positively and efficiently.
Be Proactive and Solution-Oriented
One of the best ways to manage up is to be proactive in identifying
problems and proposing solutions. Rather than simply bringing issues to your
boss’s attention, come prepared with potential solutions. This demonstrates
critical thinking, initiative, and a problem-solving mindset, all of which are
highly valued in corporate environments. It also shows that you respect your
boss’s time and are committed to making their job easier.
Build Trust Through Reliability and
Accountability
Trust is essential in any professional relationship. Build trust with
your boss by consistently delivering on your promises and meeting deadlines. If
you commit to a task, ensure it gets done to the best of your ability. In cases
where you encounter obstacles or anticipate delays, communicate them early and
propose a revised plan. This level of accountability not only fosters trust but
also demonstrates your reliability and integrity. For me an example of this is when I ask
someone to step in and be my proxy at a meeting I will not be attending. My expectation is the individual takes notes
and sends me the notes along with any key agreements they made as my proxy in
the meeting. Additionally, I expect that
they will respect the confidentiality of the meeting. As my proxy, they should know what is
appropriate to share with the broader team and what not to. When in question, the answer is always to not
share.
Understand Their Challenges and
Provide Support
Managing up involves empathy and understanding. Acknowledge that your
boss has their own set of challenges and pressures. By understanding these
challenges, you can provide the support they need. Offer to take on tasks that
might alleviate their workload or suggest ways to streamline processes. Showing
that you are aware of and empathetic to their situation can strengthen your
working relationship and demonstrate your leadership potential.
Seek and Act on Feedback
Feedback is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth.
Actively seek feedback from your boss to understand their expectations and how
you can improve. Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity
to enhance your skills and performance. Demonstrating that you value and act on
feedback shows your commitment to continuous improvement and your respect for
their perspective.
Maintain a Positive and Professional
Attitude
A positive attitude can significantly impact your relationship with your boss. Approach your work with enthusiasm and professionalism, even in challenging situations. A can-do attitude and a willingness to go the extra mile are qualities that will set you apart and make you a valued team member. Additionally, maintaining professionalism, especially during disagreements or stressful times, reflects your maturity and reliability.
To wrap it up, managing up is not about manipulation or self-promotion; it’s about
fostering a mutually beneficial relationship with your boss. By understanding
their goals, adapting to their communication style, being proactive, building
trust, and maintaining a positive attitude, you can create a supportive and
productive working dynamic. This strategic approach not only helps you stand
out as a competent and reliable employee but also paves the way for career
advancement in the complex landscape of corporate America. Remember, managing
up is about creating a win-win situation where both you and your boss can
succeed together.
Happy Thursday all,
-srt
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