Managing upwards is the most important skill to grow your career. It's about forging a robust alignment with your manager by taking the initiative to establish clarity regarding the key issues in your employment relationship. Contrary to what many people think, it isn't about manipulation or flattery. Here's why effectively managing upwards a game-changer:
The key to managing upward is to take specific initiatives that will increase your effectiveness while also making your manager's work easier. Follow these steps, and you will become your manager's most valuable resource.
Don't wait for your manager to give expectations. If they are in writing, carefully study them. This includes job skills, competencies, measured success factors, and company policies. Ask questions to resolve any unclarity about how expectations or standards should be applied to specific issues in your day-to-day work.
If you are tasked with different projects, take responsibility to ensure you fully understand the goal of each project and how it contributes to the organization's larger goals. Learn the specific results you need to achieve and the timelines or deadlines. If you think the deadlines are unrealistic, explain why. Since your manager is most likely tasked with coordinating projects and schedules, meet the deadlines wherever possible. If it appears you will not make a deadline, give advanced notice as soon as you know.
Your manager is busy, and their time is valuable. Don't make them have to listen to you talk or read an email with a long series of details before getting to the point of what you are trying to say. Start with a single sentence overview of the issue and why you are bringing it to your manager's attention. By taking the time to carefully formulate your communications, you increase your value to the organization.
Don't bring problems to your manager without also suggesting a thoroughly considered solution. By bringing solutions, you take responsibility for the problem instead of heaping the problem on to your manager's workload. Even if your manager has a different solution, your attempt is likely to be useful to the discussion as well as appreciated.
Make sure your updates include only the level of detail your manager wants as well as their preferred frequency and method. Take the time to make them concise and clear. Regularly confirm that your updates are meeting your manager's needs.
If you have multiple tasks or projects, take the initiative to ensure you remain aligned with your manager about which should have priority. Rank them according to your understanding of the priorities and present them for confirmation. Estimate the time required for each so your manager can quickly and easily make the final decision about priorities.
Don't wait for yearly performance reviews. Take it upon yourself to make it easy for your manager to regularly give you feedback. After project stages or after completing a project is a good time to request feedback. This is crucial for your professional growth as it helps to identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
Approach communications and feedback with a mindset to learn: Ask specific questions, listen openly, and ask for examples. Above all, use your receptiveness to make your manager comfortable to give you feedback and especially avoid being defensive.
Ensuring you have the necessary resources, like training, equipment, or technology, is key to aligning with your manager and boosting efficiency. These resources not only enhance productivity but also your job satisfaction. Identify what you need, frame your request as a productivity investment, and if needed, research the costs. This proactive approach shows your commitment to excellence and effectiveness in your role.
Be collaborative with your colleagues, ensuring that your efforts are coordinated. Take the initiative to understand their goals and needs. This removes some of your manager's burden to coordinate and will be greatly appreciated. Discuss issues with specificity and professionalism, avoiding emotional reactions or personal criticisms.
At its core, managing up is about making your manager's job easier while also advancing your own career - truly a win/win scenario! By embracing this approach you will create a rewarding professional journey.
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