The Invisible Skill: Managing Up
How to Build Strong Relationships with Your Boss and Elevate Your Career
Welcome to this week’s edition of Career Catalyst. You can find previous editions here.
"The way to develop the best that is in a person is by appreciation and encouragement."
— Charles Schwab
When we talk about career success, much of the focus is on managing our teams, tasks, and time. But there's another critical skill that often goes unnoticed — and that's managing up.
Effective managing up is about more than just meeting your boss’s expectations. It’s about understanding what your boss needs to succeed, how they work best, and how you can support their goals while advancing your own.
In this week’s newsletter, we’ll explore how to master this invisible skill, strengthen your professional relationships, and position yourself for long-term success.
What Does 'Managing Up' Really Mean?
Managing up is the art of working effectively with your boss. It’s about understanding their communication style, work preferences, priorities, and the pressures they’re facing — and then adapting your approach to align with those factors.
Many professionals think of managing up as simply “keeping your boss happy,” but it’s much more than that. It’s about creating a partnership that allows both of you to thrive.
Why Managing Up Is Important
Here are just a few reasons why mastering this skill is critical:
1. Build Stronger Relationships:
When you understand your boss’s preferences and work style, you can foster a relationship of mutual respect. You’ll avoid unnecessary friction, which can lead to increased trust and collaboration.
2. Anticipate Needs:
A key part of managing up is anticipating what your boss needs before they ask. This proactive approach can make you stand out and show that you're not only focused on your tasks, but also invested in the success of the team.
3. Increase Visibility:
When you effectively manage up, you position yourself as a valuable team member who’s aligned with the organization’s goals. This alignment can increase your chances for promotions, raises, and exciting opportunities.
How to Manage Up Effectively
Now that we’ve defined it, let’s dive into practical strategies to manage up successfully:
1. Understand Your Boss’s Communication Style
Does your boss prefer quick emails or longer, more detailed updates? Do they like face-to-face meetings or text messages? The better you understand their style, the more effectively you can communicate. Tailor your updates to their preferences, and you’ll build rapport much faster.
2. Be Transparent and Open
Managing up doesn’t mean hiding problems or taking on everything yourself. Be open about challenges and obstacles, but also come prepared with potential solutions. Bosses appreciate employees who are solution-focused and transparent about their challenges.
3. Help Them Meet Their Goals
Take the time to understand your boss’s goals and priorities. When you align your efforts with their objectives, you not only help them succeed, but you also position yourself as someone who can make things happen. This builds trust and respect.
4. Anticipate Needs and Be Proactive
Don’t just wait for your boss to tell you what they need. If you see a potential issue or opportunity, bring it to their attention before they have to ask. Anticipation shows initiative, and it’s a critical skill in managing up.
5. Be Respectful of Their Time
Bosses are often busy and under a lot of pressure. Be respectful of their time by keeping meetings brief and focused. Prioritize your tasks, and make sure to communicate any updates in a concise, actionable manner.
One Small Step This Week
To start managing up effectively, try this:
Set up a 15-minute meeting with your boss this week to ask about their priorities and challenges. Clarify that you’re eager to align with them and offer support.
This simple action can go a long way toward building a strong relationship and demonstrating your leadership potential.
Please let me know how it goes!
Best wishes, Stephen
Thanks for reading. If you have an interesting insight, feel free to share it in the comments section.
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