Mastering the Art of Managing Up

Hi there, welcome to Work Wise! My name’s Octavia Goredema.

I’m the CEO of Fire Memos, the author of Prep, Push, Pivot and the host of the Audible Original series How To Change Careers.

Every week I share insights and actionable steps to help you do your best work and achieve your career goals.

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Have you had a situation with your boss where you’ve had to take the lead?

"Managing up" can sound like corporate jargon but it’s a common occurrence. When handled the right way, it’s one of the most impactful skills you can develop as you progress in your career.

For many years I underestimated how important it is to manage the relationships that impact your growth. Whether you have a great boss, a bad boss, or an indifferent one, learning how to adapt, deliver, and be proactive is often learned by trial and error.

In essence, managing up involves proactively managing the relationship with your boss, or senior leaders. It involves understanding their priorities, communication style, and expectations, and aligning your actions to support those goals effectively.

Navigating that isn’t easy. Managing up can be stressful.

The nuances of a hierarchical relationship with a boss require emotional intelligence, and sometimes it’s not easy to know when to be assertive and when to sit back. Figuring out how to avoid overstepping boundaries can be a fine line to walk.

However, there are moments when managing up becomes crucial to fostering a productive and positive working relationship. Let’s explore three common scenarios where managing up can significantly impact your professional growth.

1. Clarifying Expectations for a New Assignment

When you’re stepping into a new project, taking on additional responsibilities, or moving into a new role, managing up is key to understanding what’s expected of you. It's easy to assume everyone is on the same page, but assumptions can lead to misunderstandings and misaligned goals. The solution? Proactive communication.

At the beginning of a new project or role, ask your manager open-ended questions like, "What does success look like for this project?" or "Are there any specific outcomes you’re expecting?" and pay close attention to what you hear.

Make sure to clarify timelines and priorities. For example, "Would you prefer a detailed report or a high-level summary?" This shows you’re thinking ahead and aligned with their expectations.

2. Asking for Direct Feedback

Asking for feedback can feel intimidating, but it’s a critical aspect of managing up. If you need your manager’s input on a project or a situation, you may need to take the initiative to drive these conversations.

Don’t wait for performance reviews to seek feedback. Schedule quarterly or even monthly check-ins to discuss your progress, areas for improvement, and potential opportunities.

When you have a 1:1 on the calendar, come prepared with specific questions or areas you want feedback on, such as, "I’d love to get your input on how I handled the recent project. Are there any areas where I could improve?" This shows you are committed to your development.

3. Preparing for a Performance Review

Performance reviews are not just about your manager evaluating your work. They’re an opportunity for you to showcase your achievements and set the narrative for your contributions. Managing up in this scenario means being ready to clearly communicate your value and advocate for your growth.

Make keeping track of your wins a consistent habit. At Fire Memos, we prompt you to add your wins on a weekly basis to maintain a searchable archive of your achievements.

When it comes to performance reviews, always link your achievements directly to business goals. Be ready to highlight how your work has contributed to the team or company’s objectives. Be clear and use metrics and examples to convey your impact.

Be prepared to talk objectively about where you want to go next. When discussing career growth, frame your goals in the context of how they can benefit the team or organization.

For example, "I’m interested in developing my project management skills, which I think would help us meet the deliverables needed as we prepare for the next quarter.” Suggest projects, roles, or training that align with both your career goals and the company’s needs.

Remember, managing up isn’t about manipulating your boss or trying to control the situation. It's about embracing the soft skills that lead to a productive working relationship that benefits both you and your manager.

Learning how to adapt to your manager’s leadership style, clarify expectations, proactively seek feedback, and prepare effectively for performance reviews, can lead to stronger relationships and more opportunities.

-Octavia

How have you handled relationships with senior leaders? I read and respond to every single comment, so if you have an insight to share, or a question for me, let me know below.