Managing Up: 5 Actionable Tips for a Better Relationship with Your Manager
Navigating the corporate landscape can be a complex endeavor, especially in the fast-paced tech industry. While you're busy coding, strategizing, and meeting project deadlines, it's easy to overlook one crucial aspect of your career: your relationship with your manager.
But don’t worry!
This article aims to equip you with actionable insights on "Managing Up," a skill that can significantly impact your professional growth and job satisfaction.
What is Managing Up?
Managing up is not about manipulation or sycophancy; it's about fostering a productive and mutually beneficial relationship with your manager. It involves understanding their goals, pressures, and work style, and then adapting your own work style to complement theirs.
In essence, you're managing your manager to ensure that both of you succeed.
Why is it Important?
In the tech industry, where projects are often time-sensitive and high-stakes, a strong rapport with your manager can make all the difference. It can lead to better communication, more opportunities for career advancement, and even improved work-life balance. Particularly in remote or hybrid work settings, where face-to-face interactions are limited, mastering the art of managing up can be a game-changer.
5 Actionable Tips for Managing Up
1. Understand Your Manager's Communication Style
Whether your manager prefers Slack messages, emails, or quick Zoom calls, understanding their preferred mode of communication is crucial. It's also beneficial to recognize the 4 types of communication styles in the workplace and to know which style your manager leans towards.
Adapt your style to match theirs for more effective interactions.
2. Proactively Provide Updates
Don't wait for your manager to ask for an update. Take the initiative to keep them informed about your progress, challenges, and any roadblocks you might be facing. This is particularly important in remote settings where "out of sight" can quickly become "out of mind."
3. Align Your Goals with Theirs
Understanding your manager's objectives can help you align your tasks and projects accordingly. This not only makes you an asset to your manager but also brings more coherence to your work.
4. Be a Problem-Solver, Not a Problem-Maker
While it's important to communicate challenges, constantly bringing problems to your manager without potential solutions can be draining for them. Some may find this tip controversial, as it puts the onus on you, but being a problem-solver can set you apart.
5. Don't Shy Away from Self-Promotion
In a remote or hybrid work environment, your achievements may not always be visible. While self-promotion can sometimes be seen as bragging, it's essential for career growth. Share your wins with your manager, but do it tactfully.
Conclusion
Managing up is an invaluable skill that can significantly elevate your professional life, especially in the tech industry. By understanding your manager's needs and aligning your work style with theirs, you can create a harmonious and productive work environment. So go ahead, implement these tips and build a relationship with your manager that's beneficial for both of you. Your career will thank you for it.
For more information, check out HBR’s library on “Managing Up“.