Tips and tricks for managing up

The term “managing up” refers to an approach to your relationship with your manager that encourages both manager and direct report to have equal input. Whether you have the best boss in the world, or you find your manager challenging to work with, your relationship with them does not have to be one-sided. Managing up helps you get your needs met in the workplace, which ultimately leads to you doing a better job. Taking the time to understand your own manger’s needs in the workplace and adjusting how you approach your relationship can benefit both of you in the long run.

Communication is key

In every relationship you have at work, communicating clearly is essential. When it comes to successfully managing up, open communication becomes even more important. Make sure to share both wins and challenges with your manager. Share your goals and give frequent progress reports. Unless your manager knows what you’re aiming for or struggling with, they can’t help you! It’s also wise to learn what your manager’s preferred communication method is—email, instant message, video chat, in-person meeting—and use it, and request that they do the same for you.

Tune into your manager’s needs

Your manager faces the same kind of challenges that you might. By learning more about what their goals and struggles are, you can start to build a mutual relationship wherein you make suggestions and help them find solutions to problems. The key to managing up is forging a relationship with your manager that positions both manger and direct report on equal terms. Show up for your manager when they need it and make it know that they can rely on you just as much as you rely on them.

Request feedback early and often

Asking for feedback can be daunting, especially if you’re sensitive to criticism. However, seeing out your manager’s thoughts on your work is helpful for several reasons. First, it helps build trust and create a relationship in which open communication is the norm. It also helps you become a better worker, which in turn helps you better support your manager and their role in the workplace. You can also ask your manager if they’re open to receiving feedback on their own performance from you! Communication is a two-way street.

Be clear about expectations

Managing expectations is another important aspect of building strong working relationships. When it comes to managing up, make sure that your manager understands what you can and cannot do within a certain timeline or guidelines, so both parties can anticipate potential delays or issues. Clearly communicating your abilities with your manager also helps build trust, which is key for a mutually respectful relationship between managers and direct reports.

Ask about your manager’s preferences and working style

Learning how your manager prefers to communicate, as well as the resources they need to be successful, can help you understand their mindset and better adapt to their needs. Whether that means avoiding requesting a meeting before noon, doing most of your communication over instant message, or taking the time to color-code calendar invites, these small adjustments can help you make the most of your relationship with your manager.

Ready to put these tips on managing up into action? Check out more tips on navigating working life, like how to ask for a raise or how to set boundaries for a better work-life balance.