This series introduces the importance of managing up and some of the keys to do it successfully. If you would like further information about the complete presentation deck, send me an email and let’s talk.
“Wait, what? I have to manage my boss? Are you kidding? Don’t I have enough to do?”
Doing what you can to support your supervisor’s success has far-reaching benefits. This is not about brown-nosing or doing her work for her. This is about understanding how your strengths can counter-balance his weaknesses. How can your skills complement her skills? How can you affect his communication style to benefit the organization? What can you do to understand her goals and help her reach them?
Managing up is an important part of your success toolbox. When you help your supervisor succeed, the organization improves and, ultimately, you will be viewed as an asset in that success.
Part One: Communication
Understanding and complying with your supervisor’s communication preferences is one key to successfully managing up.
- Identify how your supervisor wants to receive information.
- Analytical type? Present data for review; schedule a follow-up discussion
- People person? – Communicate often and in-person if possible. Be ready for impromptu conversations.
- Learn when is the best time to communicate
- Is he a morning person? Be organized enough to present early updates.
- Is she usually talkative after meetings? If not, allow her some time to re-energize and catch up.
- Does he prefer daily updates or a weekly summary? Ask if you don’t know.
- Communication is a two-way activity; listening and talking.
- Listen carefully to what your supervisor wants/needs
- Ask clarifying questions
- Feed the directions back to confirm understanding
- Share information you think he should know
- Proactively request feedback
- Listen and accept it as one person’s perception
- Maturity is needed if you disagree; don’t be emotional or confrontational
- Identify key behaviors to continue and/or select changes you can make
Next week, Part Two: Understanding your supervisor’s perspective.
