Executive Zone >> Measure what Matters >> Verticle and Horizontal Alignment >> Mastering the Art of Managing Up: Influencing Your Success
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"Managing up" isn't about manipulation or brown-nosing. It's a crucial skill for career advancement and workplace harmony, focusing on building a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with your manager. It's about understanding their needs, anticipating challenges, and proactively contributing to their success, which ultimately benefits you and the organization.
Why Managing Up Matters:
Why Managing Up Matters:
Improved Communication: It fosters clearer communication, reducing misunderstandings and ensuring alignment on goals and expectations.
Increased Influence: It allows you to influence decisions and contribute your ideas more effectively.
Enhanced Career Growth: It demonstrates your initiative, professionalism, and ability to work effectively with senior leaders.
Reduced Stress: A positive relationship with your manager can significantly reduce workplace stress.
Better Collaboration: It creates a more collaborative and supportive work environment.
Key Strategies for Effective Managing Up:
Key Strategies for Effective Managing Up:
Understand Your Manager's Style and Priorities:
Observe their communication style, preferred methods of receiving information, and decision-making process.
Identify their key priorities and goals.
Learn what stresses them, and what makes them successful.
Tailor your communication and approach to align with their preferences.
Be a Proactive Problem Solver:
Anticipate potential challenges and offer solutions.
Don't just bring problems to your manager; bring potential solutions.
Take initiative and demonstrate your ability to think strategically.
Communicate Clearly and Concisely:
Provide regular updates on your progress and any potential roadblocks.
Be clear and concise in your communication, avoiding unnecessary jargon or details.
Respect their time and be mindful of their workload.
Provide Value and Support:
Focus on delivering high-quality work and exceeding expectations.
Offer to assist with projects or tasks that align with your skills and interests.
Be a reliable and supportive team member.
Seek and Respond to Feedback:
Actively seek feedback from your manager and be open to constructive criticism.
Demonstrate your willingness to learn and improve.
Show that you value their input and are committed to your professional development.
Respect Their Time and Boundaries:
Be mindful of their workload and avoid unnecessary interruptions.
Schedule meetings and provide agendas in advance.
Respect their personal time and avoid contacting them outside of work hours unless absolutely necessary.
Build Trust and Rapport:
Be honest, reliable, and trustworthy.
Demonstrate your integrity and professionalism.
Build rapport by showing genuine interest in their work and perspectives.
Align Your Goals with Theirs:
Show how your work directly contributes to their goals and the overall objectives of the organization.
Make sure you understand the overall company strategy.
What Managing Up is NOT:
What Managing Up is NOT:
It's not about flattery or insincerity.
It's not about undermining colleagues or taking credit for their work.
It's not about avoiding accountability or responsibility.
Managing up is a strategic approach to building a strong and productive working relationship with your manager. It's about creating a win-win situation where both you and your manager can achieve your goals and contribute to the success of the organization. By mastering this skill, you can enhance your career prospects and create a more positive and fulfilling work experience.
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