MANAGING UP – Turn Your Boss into Your Biggest Fan!

If you’ve ever thought, “Work would be great if it weren’t for my boss”… this one’s for you. Because learning how to manage up - to work with your manager instead of simply for them (or maybe even against them) - might just be one of the smartest moves you make in your career.

Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Isn't that just sucking up to the boss?" 🙄 Nope! When done right, managing up is not about being a yes-man or brown-nosing your way to the top. It's about building a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with your manager, one that ultimately benefits both of you.

Because managers change, companies change, but the ability to navigate relationships and influence outcomes? That's a skill that will serve you throughout your entire career.

So, let's see how you can become a master of managing up and turn your boss into your biggest ally!

Some are inspiring, others are a little more missing in action, and a few just leave you wondering if you're in the right place.

So if you want to build a working relationship that actually works (for both of you), you’ve got to understand what kind of manager you’re dealing with - and adapt accordingly.

So, let’s break it down.

• The Builder: Some managers genuinely want to see you grow and will actively support your development. They're your champions, and you're lucky to have them!
• The Passive: Others are more hands-off, leaving you to your own devices. This can be great for autonomy but requires you to be proactive in seeking guidance.
• The Absentee/Apathetic: And then there are those... the ones who seem disengaged or indifferent. Honestly, if you consistently find yourself in this situation, it might be a sign to explore other opportunities.

Once you've identified your manager's style, it's time to build trust. Be reliable, deliver on your promises, and communicate openly. And invest your energy to show some initiative!

We’re talking about more than just asking for time off or making sure you’re aligned on a project.

We’re talking about building a relationship where the necessary feedback is in the open, your value is recognised, and your aspirations don’t get left unsaid.

Here's how to make those crucial conversations work for you:

• Giving and Receiving Feedback: Learn how to deliver feedback constructively and gracefully accept it in return. It's a two-way street!
• Positioning Yourself for Success: Know how to articulate your accomplishments, highlight your contributions, and demonstrate your value to the team.
• Asking for What You Want: Don't be afraid to express your career aspirations and seek your manager's support in achieving them.

It’s time to take ownership of your professional journey and drive your own growth. When you actively seek out ways to improve, engage, and show initiative, you're taking control of your future.

• Get Your Manager Invested: Show them that you're serious about your development and actively seek their input and guidance.
• Seek Out Opportunities: Propose new projects, volunteer for initiatives, and demonstrate your willingness to go the extra mile.
• Discuss Promotions Strategically: Understand the process and work with your manager to create a plan for advancement.

Understanding how your manager allocates time, budget, and resources can give you a real insight into their priorities and decision-making process.

Knowing the ins and outs of this ecosystem can help you navigate your way to success with a lot more clarity and purpose.

• Hierarchy and Power: Recognize the different levels of authority and influence within your workplace, from top to bottom.
• Resource Allocation: Understand that resources (time, budget, personnel) are finite, and your manager has to make tough choices.
• Promotions: Realize that even if your manager supports your promotion, they may have to navigate internal politics and advocate for you to their boss.

If you want to take managing up seriously, then regular one-on-one meetings with your manager are a must – but they need to be effective. Don't just show up and chat about the weather!

These sessions are your opportunity to build a strong connection, show off your progress, and get the guidance you need, so it’s essential to make them count.

• Prepare an Agenda: Come with specific topics to discuss, updates to provide, and questions to ask.

• Focus on Solutions: Don't just complain about problems; present potential solutions and ask for your manager's input.

• Track Your Progress: Keep a record of your accomplishments and contributions to showcase your value.

Mastering the art of managing up is a long game, but it's an investment that will pay dividends throughout your career. It's about building strong relationships, communicating effectively, and taking ownership of your growth.

So, are you ready to turn your boss into your biggest fan and propel your career to new heights?

I'd love to hear your thoughts! What's your best tip for managing up effectively? Any experiences (good or bad) you'd like to share? Let's have a proper chinwag in the comments below! 👇