Every workplace has a hierarchy with you, your manager, and above them, an executive manager. This structure may suggest a top-down approach, but in reality, you can influence the dynamics by managing up. Your manager may have formal authority, but that doesn’t mean you have no control. Learning to manage up is key.
Managing up is about understanding your manager’s preferences and adjusting your approach accordingly. By gaining their trust and becoming a dependable employee, you can navigate challenging situations effectively. This skill is especially valuable when dealing with a difficult manager, as it can help you avoid unnecessary conflict.
Think of managing up as preparing for an exam. It requires time and effort to familiarize yourself with your manager’s expectations and behaviors. While this may be easier with a supportive manager, it can be more challenging with a less accommodating one. However, the effort you put in will pay off in improved work relationships and communication.
You may wonder if managing up is just another way of ingratiating yourself with your boss. To some extent, yes. However, the goal is not just to flatter your manager but to position yourself as a reliable and proactive team member whom they can depend on for important tasks.
