When people ask me about managing up, I always emphasise that it’s more than just a buzz-phrase; it’s a vital skill for anyone who wants to excel in their career. Managing up is the process of understanding your manager’s goals, communication style, and work preferences to build a positive and productive relationship. By aligning your efforts with your manager’s objectives and anticipating their needs, you can foster mutual respect and efficiency. This proactive approach not only makes your manager’s job easier but also contributes to the overall success of your team and organisation. Here are my top 10 tips to master the art of managing up:
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Understand Your Manager’s Goals
The first step in managing up is understanding what your manager wants to achieve. Don’t wait for them to outline their objectives—take the initiative to ask. Once you’re clear on their priorities, you can tailor your work to support their goals, making you an asset.
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Adapt to Their Communication Style
Every manager has a preferred way of communicating, whether it’s through concise emails, detailed reports, or quick check-ins. Pay attention to these preferences and adjust your communication style accordingly. This makes it easier for them to process information and make decisions, increasing your efficiency and effectiveness.
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Be Proactive
Anticipate your manager’s needs before they even realise them. If you know there’s an upcoming meeting, prepare all necessary reports and data ahead of time. Offer solutions to potential problems before they escalate. Being proactive shows that you’re dependable and helps build trust.
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Build Trust
Trust is the foundation of any successful relationship. Be consistent in your actions, follow through on your commitments, and be honest about what you can and cannot do. Your manager needs to know they can rely on you in any situation, and over-delivering on promises is a great way to build this trust.
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Never Let Your Boss Make a Mistake
If you see your boss heading into a potential pitfall, speak up. Helping them avoid mistakes not only shows your attentiveness but also establishes your value as someone who’s looking out for the team’s best interests. This proactive support will be appreciated and remembered.
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Communicate Effectively
Keep your boss informed about key issues, but don’t overwhelm them with unnecessary details. Focus on the big picture and the critical information they need to know. Remember the rule: bad news travels fast, and good news can wait. Your manager should never be caught off guard by something you knew about.
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Provide Constructive Feedback
If your relationship with your manager allows for it, don’t hesitate to offer feedback. Pick the right moment, be respectful, and ask for their permission before offering your thoughts. Frame your feedback constructively, and always be specific. This can help foster a culture of open communication and mutual respect.
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Respect Their Time
Time is a precious commodity, especially for managers. Learn the best times to engage with your boss and plan your interactions accordingly. Rather than interrupting them with questions throughout the day, schedule a regular one-on-one meeting where you can address all your concerns at once. Prepare an agenda for these meetings to ensure you stay on track.
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Feed Them Valuable Insights
You have a unique vantage point that your boss may not have. Use this to provide them with insights and observations they can’t access themselves. Whether it’s feedback from the team or a pulse on the organisation’s culture, sharing these insights can help your manager make better decisions and avoid blind spots.
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Maintain Confidentiality
When your boss shares something with you in confidence, it’s crucial to keep it that way. Breaching that trust by sharing privileged information with others, even casually, can have serious repercussions. Keeping their confidence shows that you are trustworthy and professional, which strengthens your relationship over time.
Final Thoughts
These days, it’s not enough to just let your work speak for itself. Managing up is more than just a skill—it’s an ongoing process that requires intentional effort. By understanding your manager’s needs, communicating effectively, and building a relationship based on trust and mutual respect, you’ll not only make their job easier but also set yourself up for success. Mastering these tips will help you stand out, leading to better performance reviews, greater opportunities for career growth, and a more rewarding work experience.
Remember, it’s an ongoing process. Once you start communicating openly, asking the right questions, and thinking from the perspective of your manager, you’ll be amazed at the results.
