Day 2 - Managing Up

My seminar at nextweek’s Office* Show is on ‘Managing Up’ so I thought I’d give you a taster here in today’s blog.

What do we mean by managing up? Essentially, it’s about developing your career by consciously working for the mutual benefit of yourself and your boss. You’ll be doing it already, probably without realising!

The idea has been around for about 40 years (the same as EUMA!) and was based on research by Professor John Gabarro and Professor John Kotter that identified the importance of  “mutual dependence” in the PA-boss relationship. When a subordinate takes the reins, it leads to better results for both sides. You depend on your boss for direction, feedback and support, while they depend on you for ideas, hardwork and cooperation.

So how do you manage up? It’s quite simple really and the key is to develop a good understanding of both your own strengths and weaknesses and those of your boss.

1. Assess yourself and your needs.  Recognise your own strengths, weaknesses, goals and personal needs, and pay attention to how you respond to being managed.

2. Put yourself in their shoes. It’s also essential to explore your boss’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations and work styles - identify common traits and work out how to interact more effectively with your boss.

 3. Build trust. Make every effort to be honest and dependable by meeting commitments and deadlines. Your positive example will impact your boss and others around you.

4. Manage expectations. Don’t wait for your boss to spell out their expectations; talk to them to help clarify and communicate their ideas –and to communicate your own ideas. 

5. Communicate.  If your boss prefers to read, write it. If they hear best, speak it. If they like numbers, quantify your message. Make it a point to know your boss’s preferred style.

6. Think and act like a manager. Ask thoughtful questions. Learn how to present ideas by framing them in a business context your boss will understand. Present your idea when more pressing issues are not consuming their attention.

7- Have the right attitude. You can’t control your boss,but you can control your attitude. Being angry, resentful, snappish or passive will not make for a good relationship. Change what you can change and adapt your style. 

So what are you waiting for? Start Managing Up today!

 

Elizabeth Wakeling