Interpersonal relationships play a crucial role in the workplace, but we often relegate them to the background. However, cultivating these relationships can be essential for solving problems, optimizing processes, achieving goals and advancing in your professional career.

Establishing a healthy relationship with your manager may be key to unlock projects, improve work efficiency and increase your promotion opportunities within the company. A well-executed management process is ultimately a process to create a good connection with your managers.

So, what is Managing up?

Managing up is the process of working and communicating effectively with your manager to achieve shared goals. It is based on employees having a clear understanding of the manager’s priorities and work style, enabling them to adapt to their way of working and solve any problems that may arise. The objective is to maintain one’s job in the company and even climb through the organizational chart.

Managing up is not about trying to change the behaviour of your manager to do what you want to achieve your personal success, but it helps you, by using soft skills, get your best as an employee and as a potential leader.

When carried out effectively, Managing up facilitates daily work for both you and your manager, while also easing your team workload.

The success of a company depends not only on its technical capability but also on the quality of relationships among its employees. If these relationships are negative, even the most talented professionals may feel discouraged from joining a project they consider unhealthy.

In this article, we will explore how you can effectively manage your time and why practicing this concept is so important. Some key skills of a good manager can be applied in the context of Managing up:

Empathy
Same as managers invest time in getting to know and understand each team member, team members should similarly, by using Managing up, understand their manager’s objectives, show empathy for their experiences and celebrate their achievements.

Development and growth
A good manager facilitates the growth of each team member. When asked how your manager can help you in the development of your career, be honest, tell them what you really need. Identify your strengths and also your improvement points. Companies hire based on attitude, because skills can be learned.

Remember that your manager’s success also contributes to your own professional growth. Managing up is not about doing your manager’s job, but about your ability to communicate your value and report on key achievements to those above you. When leaders realize that you are contributing to the organization, you will be rewarded. Professionals who manage it correctly will progress faster.

A very easy way to add value to yourself is to ask for feedback regarding your performance. Asking for feedback is truly a good practice for your continuous improvement because everybody is seeking their own ways to enhance their personal and professional skills. You can also add value with priceless actions such as being punctual, patient, polite and saying good morning.

Effective communication
Learn and adapt your communication style to that of your manager, having a clear and regular communication with them. This communication involves negotiation, providing feedback and setting expectations. It is a bidirectional communication, providing information and asking specific questions. An employee who has everything under control, proactively keeps their manager informed and seeks guidance, will often find more growth and autonomy.

Resilience
Stay calm and be proactive. Always offer your help to show commitment with both your manager and team. Build your ability to handle change, exercise empathy and solve problems quickly. Anticipate to avoid surprises. This increased adaptability, understanding of others’ needs and a healthy relationship will ensure that your voice is heard.

Equity and justice
All team members should be treated fairly and provided with equitable opportunities to grow and develop. Managing up means being a change agent who seeks for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Recognition
Managers recognition of their team members helps them feel valued and motivated. Likewise, it is important for your manager to feel valued and recognized by others, including yourself.

Results and goals orientation
Pursue to achieve established goals by anticipating to your manager’s needs and thus helping them achieve theirs. The intention should be seen as becoming a partner in your manager’s success and supporting them on their journeys as well. It is not about assuming responsibility for your manager’s role, but about seeking to lighten your manager’s load. The goal is that the more you understand your manager’s goals, the more they are to succeed.

Technical capability
Sharing your technical knowledge and skills with your manager may be seen as great value to the team and the success of the project. Supporting project needs (new tools, technologies, frameworks, etc.) show your commitment to continuous improvement and your willingness to contribute to your team’s growth and efficiency.

Managing up is a fundamental skill that not only strengthens workplace relationships but also drives individual professional growth and contributes to the overall success of the team. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a proactive attitude, you are taking solid steps towards your professional goals and creating a more collaborative and effective work environment for everyone.

Are you ready to apply these Managing up strategies to your professional career?