Managing up is the proactive effort to improve your working relationship with your manager by understanding their expectations, communication preferences, and goals. It’s not about manipulation or flattery—it’s about collaboration and making their job easier while positioning yourself as a reliable and valuable team member.
How Managing Up Shows Up at Work
- Understanding Their Priorities: Knowing what’s most important to your manager and aligning your work accordingly.
- Tailoring Communication: Adapting how you share updates or ask questions based on their preferred style (e.g., concise emails vs. detailed reports).
- Problem-Solving: Anticipating challenges and offering solutions before they escalate.
Why Managing Up Matters
- Enhances Collaboration: Strengthens the boss-employee relationship and improves team dynamics.
- Builds Trust: Demonstrates your reliability and understanding of organizational goals.
- Supports Career Growth: Shows initiative, leadership, and emotional intelligence, which can lead to new opportunities.
How to Manage Up Effectively
- Understand Their Work Style:
Observe how your manager prefers to communicate, handle tasks, and make decisions. - Clarify Expectations:
Regularly discuss priorities, deadlines, and success metrics to avoid misunderstandings. - Be Proactive:
Anticipate their needs and provide solutions, updates, or resources before being asked. - Communicate Effectively:
Share concise, relevant information and tailor your approach to suit their preferences. - Seek Feedback:
Ask for input on your performance and use it to align with their expectations. - Align Your Goals with Theirs:
Understand your manager’s objectives and demonstrate how your work supports their success.
Thriving Through Managing Up
Managing up isn’t just about pleasing your boss—it’s about fostering a partnership that benefits your entire team. By taking initiative and aligning with their goals, you’ll build trust, grow professionally, and make a positive impact.
Remember: managing up is about collaboration, not submission. When you build strong partnerships with leaders, you create opportunities for growth, trust, and mutual success.
