If you tirelessly take on more and more responsibilities, often at the cost of your own needs and boundaries, then this guide to managing up is for you. It’s not uncommon for our clients to hesitate to negotiate with their managers because they fear it might be a losing battle. However, if they try, they fail to realize what might be on the other side of the fence. Did you know that your ability to effectively manage your relationship with your supervisor/manager/boss/leader is not just a skill—it’s an art?
* We find that people have many names for their direct manager—supervisor, leader, boss, one-up—for the sake of this conversation and to align with the sentiment that many people feel before they learn how to manage up, we’re going to refer to your manager as “boss.”
Managing up isn’t about manipulation or flattery; it’s about building a mutually beneficial relationship with your boss. It involves understanding their goals, pressures, and working style and aligning your work and communication to create a positive and productive working environment. This guide will walk you through key strategies and techniques to enhance your communication, establish strong professional relationships, and ultimately, transform your manager into an ally, sponsor, and coach. Get ready to embark on a journey that will not only redefine your relationship with your boss but also empower you to advocate for yourself in a way that leads to growth, balance, and success.
Why You Should Manage Up
Why should you care about managing up? The answer lies in its transformative impact on your career and well-being. Managing up is much more than a mere tactic to gain favor; it’s a strategic approach to forge a strong, productive relationship with your supervisor. Mastering this skill opens doors to better communication, enhanced understanding, and greater alignment with your manager’s expectations and goals. This alignment not only boosts your professional growth and opportunities for advancement but also empowers you to shape your work environment proactively. It helps you articulate your needs, set realistic boundaries, and manage your workload effectively, leading to reduced stress and increased job satisfaction. In essence, managing up is about taking charge of your professional journey, ensuring your voice is heard, and your contributions are recognized. It’s an investment in creating a more fulfilling and balanced work life, where your needs and career aspirations are not just acknowledged but actively supported.
Start by Taking the Time to Understand Your Boss
Before you can manage anyone, it’s critical that you understand them. Why? Understanding your boss’ motivations and aspirations is the essential first step in attaining a successful partnership.
This will help you recognize whether any issues might arise in managing your superiors and should also provide insight into their professional needs as well as initial expectations. Discerning what managers value most could give rise to insightful conversations that foster rapport between colleagues—an essential recipe for success!
If you have recently been promoted at work, chances are good that your team has undergone a transition. This includes replacing their leadership—whether this be with a seasoned veteran or fresh-faced intern. Regardless of who sits atop the throne of power, ensuring that everyone on board feels at ease is key.
Explain your ascension to the boss, expressing gratitude for his mentorship along with eagerness to leverage his experience.
Build a Rapport with Your Boss Before Making Any Decisions
You may not be thrilled with the prospect of having to manage up like this, but it can be a worthwhile endeavor. If you build rapport and trust with your supervisor early on, it will become easier for decision-making and overall team cohesion. Even if you ultimately decide that it’s time for a change; having established relationships can ease any transition process.
This is why it’s so essential to establish connections with your superior before embarking on any job search. Try inviting them out for lunch or coffee – get their pulse on what they’re looking for in an employee. By sharing details about yourself, one can learn more about others’ expectations too!
On top of all this, crafting a relationship with your boss means opportunities are sure to arise. You will have someone whom you can turn to with questions or when things become difficult at work.
Don’t Expect Your Boss to Read Your Mind
It can be disconcerting to discern that your company has no place for you in their plans – and there is nothing abnormal about seeking another opportunity. After all, it’s not uncommon for individuals to seek greener pastures during challenging times like these.
Your boss may appear anxious when asked about the future of your project. Don’t take it personally; he might just be trying to keep up with the task at hand!
If you feel yourself being relegated to the sidelines, don’t despair! You can always make an effort to focus on other projects that may be more lucrative or interesting while staying on top of things at home.
Be Open to Criticism
Failure is an integral aspect of business. Even though you may have the potential to succeed, there is still a possibility that success won’t be attained; this is why it’s critical that managers don’t shy away from offering candid feedback on their subordinates’ weaknesses.
Nevertheless, managers must exercise care when making assessments about their employees. Be thoughtful about how your words will affect others – and avoid saying anything that might cast a negative light on them.
Be Honest with Your Boss
If you are being considered for a promotion, it is essential to disclose your accomplishments – both concrete and intangible. When asked what criteria were used in reaching this decision, keep in mind that they may not be aware of all the details that ultimately led to that decision. Ultimately, don’t neglect any opportunity to express how honored you feel by the opportunity they have afforded you; after all, it’s only fair!
Unfortunately, some employees feel anxious about displaying their worth. For instance, some individuals may be disheartened if they know their performance isn’t up to par with those who already occupy higher positions within an organization. Of course, demonstrating proficiency in one’s field is not enough; one must also strive towards self-improvement as well.
Help Your Boss Grow
By accepting the position of seniority in a hierarchy, you can help foster career growth for those above you. By mentoring junior associates and demonstrating superior knowledge and expertise in their line of work, you can expedite the development process within your organization and boost employee motivation through increased trust from superiors – all leading toward success!
Maximize your potential by showing initiative and conducting professional assessments. If there are tasks that require more skillful attention than your current responsibilities allow for, don’t hesitate to step up and take charge! You can make a difference with every action taken; after all, it’s what makes you unique!
Manage Relationships at Work
Like other decision-making processes, managing up requires a level of analysis and consideration. To effectively manage relationships at work, it’s important to understand how your colleagues relate with one another to foster cohesion; forging alliances with those who share similar goals is also essential for success!
It is essential that you demonstrate genuine care for others by actively engaging with them and listening attentively to their needs. Are you aware that simply acknowledging someone within your presence is indicative of providing value towards achieving their goals?
The Bottom Line
Having a stellar team around you can be an exhilarating experience, but there is more to the art of managing up than simply impressive titles and impressive people. It’s about effectively juggling relationships – all while staying on top of tasks.
Though it’s tempting to elevate yourself above your peers in order to gain a more favorable position when it comes time for promotion; don’t forget that there must be collaboration between equals.
Conclusion
Remember that managing up involves continuous learning, adapting, and growing. We’ve explored various facets of building a meaningful and effective relationship with your boss, from understanding their perspective to communicating effectively, negotiating your needs, and setting healthy boundaries. The essence of managing up lies in the balance of professional assertiveness and empathy.
Take these strategies as your toolkit to navigate the complexities of the workplace. Encourage yourself to view managing up not as an obstacle to avoid, but as an opportunity to build a partnership that can move your career forward. Keep in mind that each step you take towards mastering this art is a step towards not just a more fulfilling professional life but a more balanced and empowered personal life as well.
Here’s to your success in building bridges, advocating for your needs, and turning your relationship with your manager into one of the most rewarding aspects of your career!
