Learning to manage up is one of the best ways to create a smooth, harmonious workplace. When you manage up, you essentially look for ways to make your manager’s job easier. It means anticipating your boss’ needs and figuring out how you can genuinely help them. Managing up builds trust, which can lead to a strong working relationship and mutual success.
Karen Cavanaugh-Schroder, a senior human resource specialist for Insperity, notes that managing up is not about getting your boss to like you personally—it’s about fostering mutual trust and respect. In this issue of Promotional Consultant Today, we share tips from Cavanaugh-Schroder on how to manage up with your boss.
Pay attention to your boss’ preferences. To effectively manage up, get to know how your manager likes to communicate and what they value in their team members. When you align your words, behaviors and communications with their preferences, you’ll reduce misunderstandings and elicit a more engaged response, says Cavanaugh-Schroder.
Look for clues. What are your boss’ pet peeves? People showing up a few minutes late for meetings? Sales reps dropping into their office unexpectedly? Take note of what your boss likes and do those things. Avoid what irritates them.
Be proactive. Another way to manage up is to let your boss know if you run into any issues or if you anticipate a problem with a deadline, says Cavanaugh-Schroder. It’s even better if you can come to them with some possible solutions to a problem.
Take responsibility. When mistakes happen, own up to them. Explain to your boss what happened and how you plan to correct the issue. Don’t wait for your boss to discover an issue that could damage a client relationship or put your company in a difficult spot. Always be upfront and honest about errors. While your manager’s trust in you may take a hit, it will likely only be temporary, says Cavanaugh-Schroder.
Don’t take it personally. Effectively managing up means that you can’t take your boss’ behavior personally. You don’t know why they act the way they do. They may be under personal or professional stress that you know nothing about. Cavanaugh-Schroder says it’s important to remember your boss’ humanity instead of jumping to conclusions.
Embrace feedback. When you have a strong relationship with your boss, it’s easier to receive constructive feedback. Instead of acting defensively or expressing arrogance, engage in conversation with your boss, suggests Cavanaugh-Schroder. Ask about the specific processes or behaviors you can improve and remember to empathize instead of personalize.
Let your boss know what you need. To manage up well, remember that it’s a two-way street. You should help your boss, but don’t forget about yourself. If you need something, whether that’s continual feedback or regular one-on-one meetings, ask for it. And be sure to express gratitude when your boss delivers on your requests.
Managing up comes with a host of benefits for you personally. You won’t have to worry about your boss micromanaging you and you can often get more control over your work. When you and your boss are on the same page working together, you both enjoy the benefits of a successful professional relationship.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Karen Cavanaugh-Schroder is a senior human resource specialist for Insperity.
