Guide to managing up (Part 1 of 2): What is it & why to do it?
“Managing up is making it easier for your manager to support you in doing great work.“ - Kellan Elliot-McCrea
As I collaborate with @seokhian on a cross-border project (excited!), I had the privilege to be coached by her on managing up. After our session, I realized that many of my past difficulties with former bosses were more about my approach than theirs. While relationships often started well, they eventually deteriorated, and I saw I was part of the problem. Here’s what I learned:
What is Managing Up?
Managing up is a key leadership skill that involves building a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with your boss.
Why is it Important?
It improves workplace efficiency and enhances career development – it will bring out your best as an employee. When done right, it makes both your job and your manager’s easier.
Myths About Managing Up
Managing up isn’t about compromising your integrity, becoming manipulative or being a "yes person." Instead, it’s about being proactive, adding value, and contributing to team efficiency.
At its core, managing up revolves around understanding three critical areas:
1.Your Boss’s Priorities and Goals: Understand what drives them allows you to align your effort with their key objectives. Whether it’s delivering on metrics or supporting their long-term vision, knowing their priorities enables you to contribute meaningfully.
2.Decision-Making Process: Every boss has a unique approach to decision-making. Some rely on data, while others prefer a big-picture overview. Learn how your boss makes decisions and what criteria they use so you can provide relevant information when needed.
3.Rules of Engagement: Establish clear boundaries and determine how your boss prefers to communicate. Do they like concise emails or face-to-face discussions? Aligning your communication style with theirs ensures smoother interactions.
By focusing on these areas, you can manage up effectively and become a valuable collaborator. Reflect on your relationship with your current boss - what’s one action you can take today to manage up more effectively?
(Next, I’ll cover how to effectively communicate when managing up.)