Knowing how to manage up at work can open doors for you and help you build a healthy relationship with your boss. Here are a few tips to help you balance both worlds without breaking any rules.
First things first, what does it mean to manage up?
Ever had that employee who seems to have more power than the boss? They think ahead of time and find solutions to challenges before they even arise. They are always coming up with better ways of getting work done more efficiently and cost-effectively. This is an individual who knows what the boss requires of them and is determined to make sure their boss's needs are a priority.
If you want to manage up you also need to lead, and through leadership you build trust. A fundamental element of managing up involves understanding your strengths, your core values, and how you can share your vision with others. Asking yourself these questions will help you establish a healthy relationship with those around you and most importantly with your boss.
Here are simple tips that will help you get started
Inspire trust
Building trust does not happen magically, it is done over time. If you are given an assignment by your boss, get it done on time and in the right way. When you play your part well, it gives your boss more clarity on why they chose you for that assignment.
Trust is also built with consistently good performance. Working directly with your boss leaves no room for mediocrity. I am not saying there are no mistakes, but the end goal is to achieve ultimate results. As you go about the assignments within your role, it is not just about getting the work done - you need to show excellence through the work you produce.
Additionally, focus on becoming an expert. This requires you to get more knowledge, do the research, and explore a given field that will help you shine to your boss. Becoming an expert gives you the credibility to stay relevant. When you achieve this, your boss will see you as an asset to the company.
Understand your environment
What is going on in the company? Who is complaining about what? What system or process is not working out? The boss’ role is to create a working environment that will help him/her achieve the company’s targets. When you are concerned about what is going on at work that your boss might have missed, share it with them and make yourself useful. This way, you are providing accountability which pushes them to perform better and also, re-align their resources towards what matters at the moment. Remember, managing up is about making your boss’ work easier.
Keeping track of the vision
When top-level management sets visions and objectives, they might not be able to constantly check in on the progress towards achieving these set targets. After all, bosses typically have a lot on their plate. This is your chance to manage up. Unlike your boss, you have more exposure to what is going on in your workplace. You know the areas where the company is falling behind on targets, underperforming, or any potential disasters. This helps you to redirect resources towards the company’s vision. Success is always achieved when visions are met.
In another world, you might have a new boss who is competent enough for their job but not fully soaked in the company’s vision and goals. Letting your boss know about the vision they should pursue and your current progress with the company goals will definitely help you establish a good working relationship.
Understand your boss's preferences
If you want to establish a healthy relationship with your boss, you need to know what works for them and what does not. How do they want you to communicate with them? Is it through emails or phone calls? Maybe they prefer communication via text message or video chat, while some prefer one-on-one conversations.
When you get this right, you create a comfortable space for your boss to work with you. This will also help you in conveying feedback and reports on the projects you are working on. It is also important for you to understand the importance of determining the right time and place for each correspondence. Do not just barge into your boss’s office without considering whether or not it’s a good time. When you are cautious about your actions as a leader in the making, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to manage up.
Share grounded, honest feedback
Is there a new system to be implemented that might not be reasonable for the company, or gaps you’ve noticed in the company systems? Speak to your boss - but remember you need to do this while offering solutions and ideas. Do not just point out problems to which you have no solutions or you'll just be whining.
For example, ”I have seen issues with system B and through the research that I have done, I think we can reduce these risks when we take on option Y”.
Bosses want to be around employees who help them serve the company better through improvements or new systems.
Help others learn
Leadership is about pulling others up to your level. When you find yourself in a position of power, it is a leading characteristic to help them reach there too. This can be through teaching your colleagues how to use new software that will help the company save costs. Even your boss could have limited knowledge in an area you have expertise in. Be open to teaching them but do it with respect and confidence. Sooner or later, your boss will find it necessary to keep you in the company.
Finally, managing up requires confidence, caution with oneself, and razor-sharp discipline.
Read also: Build a Strong Relationship With Your Boss This Year With These 8 Strategies (You Don’t Have to Be BFFs) | Fuzu
