Understanding the Art of Managing Up
Managing up is not about office politics; it is a strategic approach to understanding your manager's goals and helping them achieve success. Studies show that employees who proactively align with their supervisor's vision are 30% more likely to be considered for leadership roles.
The Core Principles of Effective Partnership
70% of high-performers prioritize managing up to increase visibility.
Industry data indicates that employees who align their daily tasks with their manager's top priorities report significantly higher job satisfaction and quicker salary growth.
Actionable Managing Up Techniques
- •Learn your manager's communication style, whether they prefer detailed emails or quick, high-level verbal briefings.
- •Anticipate potential problems and present solutions instead of just identifying obstacles to your boss.
- •Align your output with the department’s overarching KPIs to prove your direct impact on business success.
- •Ask for specific feedback early and often to show that you are committed to continuous improvement.
- •Understand your boss's greatest professional pressures so you can provide support in those specific areas.
- •Keep your manager informed of your progress regularly, preventing surprises during performance reviews.
Pro Tip for Career Success
Use the LeadRises career growth platform to track your achievements throughout the year. Documenting your wins makes it easy to demonstrate your value during your next one-on-one session with your manager.
Does managing up mean being a 'yes-person'?
Absolutely not. True managing up involves providing candid, constructive feedback and offering alternative perspectives that help your manager avoid pitfalls and reach goals more efficiently.
How do I start managing up if my boss is unapproachable?
Focus on reliability and high-quality results. By consistently exceeding expectations and providing concise, valuable reports, you build trust over time, making your manager more inclined to listen to your suggestions.