50 Ways to Manage Your Manager from "Managing Up"

1. Build the relationship/foster a partnership.

Take the time to really build a relationship. Get to know your boss. Learn about who he is. Learn about what she's done. Have coffee now and then. Show him that you share his goals. Show her that you can be counted on to achieve organizational priorities. Be a human being.

2. Be a professional at all times.

No matter what your boss does, you should always approach work in a professional manner. Take yourself and your job seriously.?

3. Bring solutions not problems.

Always hand your boss proposed solutions instead of only problems. In fact, you should never bring a problem to your boss without at least one proposed solution. Presenting options is even better. Show your boss that you are a self-sufficient, proactive problem solver.

4. No surprises.

Never give your boss surprises. Make her aware of everything that is important to her job, so that she can avoid surprising her boss.?

5. Be humble.

A little respectful humility goes a long way. Don't approach your boss with a sense of entitlement. Be willing to learn and take on menial tasks to prove you are a team player.

6. Cut some slack.

Remember that your boss is only human and may be under a lot more pressure than you realize. He is not necessarily trying to make your life difficult. He may be doing the best he can with what he has.

7. Be honest.

Always admit your errors. Most bosses are willing to tolerate mistakes as part of the learning process. Own up to them with grace and a commitment to do better.

8. Respect your boss's time.

When you walk into her office, be clear and prepared. In addition to managing you (and others) your boss most likely has her own tasks to accomplish. Know what you need from her and get out.

9. Accept and adapt.

Don't try to change your boss. Don't resist who he is. Study his preferences and conform to them whenever possible.

10. Build and compensate.

Recognize your boss's strengths and build on them. Recognize her weaknesses and compensate for them. If your boss takes terrible notes or forgets to recap action items in a meeting, do it for her. You will be doing your boss, yourself, and the organization a favor.

11. Align your priorities.

Make sure your priorities are aligned with the priorities of your boss and the organization. Failure to adjust to shifting priorities can derail success. Never make assumptions about your boss's goals. Be very clear about how you can help your boss achieve objectives.

12. Make a new plan, Stan.

If your current strategies for managing up aren't working, try something different. If your boss isn't responding well to your mode of communication, try a different mode. If your boss doesn't seem to appreciate your contributions, find different contributions. Keep trying! Don't be one and done.

13. Take feedback well.

Develop skills for receiving feedback, both positive and constructive. Have a growth mindset when it comes to criticism. Adopt a learning attitude and request more specific information when feedback is vague. Feedback is a gift, even when critical. And the proper response to feedback - even critical - is always "thank you."

14. Stay on their radar.

Communicate (in some small way) to the boss every day that you can. Even if it is just to say hello or good night. Don't be a pest. Just build a relationship and stay on her radar.

15. Learn their perspective.

Understand (and appreciate) the world from your boss's point of view. Put yourself in his shoes. Your boss may not always be right, but he does set the agenda.

16. Make your boss's life easy.

Find ways to make your manager's life just a little easier. Be on the lookout for opportunities every day - big or little - that can make a difference.

17. Don't whine.

If your boss is snippy, snappy, or rude with every now and then, let it go. Everyone has a bad day once in a while. Don't be a crybaby.

18. Be a "can-do" employee.

Take on challenges. Deliver on projects with a positive attitude. If your boss asks for help in a group setting, be the first to volunteer.

19. Show appreciation.

Say "thank you" whenever you can. Everyone appreciates being appreciated. A little gratitude goes a long way.

20. Pay them a compliment from time to time.

Managing is hard work. Few managers ever get feedback on their managing. Remember that everyone appreciates a little professional kind word or compliment now and then.

21. Share the whole truth.

If you have information that your boss needs to know or might need to know, bring it to her even if it might not be good news. Don't only share the good news.

22. Acknowledge the good bits.

When you're negative about your boss, the tendency is to focus on her worst traits and failings. This is neither positive for your work happiness nor your prospects for success in your organization. Keep your mind open to seeing the positive traits as well.

23. Don't lie, cheat, or steal,

Maintain high ethical standards, even if your boss doesn't.?

24. Request, don't complain.

Inside every complaint is a request. Find it and make it.

25. Make your requests effective.

Bosses aren't mind readers. When you make a request be clear about what you are requesting, what it would look like, and why it is important. Even better, show how your requests are aligned with both your boss's goals and priorities and those of your organization. Frame your request as a win-win-win

26. Do the job you were hired to do.

Know your role and your duties. Be clear about what is expected of you and deliver those results on time. Don't make short shrift of the annoying tasks in favor of the more engaging tasks.

27. Under-promise and over-deliver.

This age-old maxim is age-old for a reason. It works. Keep your commitments and deliver stellar results ahead of deadlines. Set yourself up for success and not failure.

28. Know what really matters to your boss and give it to her.

Is your boss big on punctuality? Then show up on time. Does your boss want to get promoted? Then find ways to help her climb the ladder. Does your boss want you to use the Oxford comma? Then learn what that is, and use it.

29. Be aware of their hot buttons and pet peeves.

Learn what they are and avoid them, even if you think they are stupid. Does your boss flip out when you don't use the Oxford comma? For goodness's sake, then use the Oxford comma!

30. Request feedback.

If you aren't getting feedback, ask for it. Be specific about the kind of feedback you want and why you need it. Make it easy for the boss to know what you need. And, for heaven's sake, when you get it, make sure you "hear" it and take action. Don't get defensive (even if it is wrong). Try to find the golden nugget.

31. Don't backstab.

Don't go over your boss's head or behind his back. Nobody likes the blindside. Especially bosses.

32. Anticipate needs.

Pay attention to your boss's goals and deliverables and be proactive about helping. For example, if you know your boss has to give quarterly sales projections to the board of directors, be proactive about getting those to her well before she asks. Show that you are paying attention and are staying ahead of the curve.

33. Be enthusiastic about your duties.

Nobody wants to work with a Debbie Downer.

34. Turn to the team.

Notice what others are doing that works with your boss and doesn't work. Do what works, don't do what doesn't. And if you see a team member doing something you know doesn't work, for goodness's sake, help him out. Your boss and your team will be much happier if everyone is rowing in the same direction. Don't forget the expression, "One bad apple..."

35. Make your boss look good.

The truth is that if your boss looks good, you will as well. It's the art of association. If your boss looks bad, then guess what? That will reflect badly on you, too. A high tide raises all boats.

36. Keep your boss informed.

Don't assume your boss knows about all your accomplishments. Take the time to keep her up to date and posted on your activities and accomplishments,

37. Use "we" not "I".

When talking about departmental successes to your boss's boss or other organizational leaders, make sure you share the credit. He will notice.

38. Use "I" not "you."

When discussing your needs, wants, and expectations with your boss, make sure you frame your requests based on your needs, as in "I'd like to learn more about X project" instead of "You need to?tell me more about X project." It's a subtle difference and it works.

39. Don't "Yes, but" your boss.

Nobody likes to be "Yes, butted." Using the word "but" after the word "yes" totally negates the yes. The result? People don't feel heard, they just feel butted. And when people feel butted, they get defensive and argumentative. So, the next time you want to?"Yes, but", try substituting "Yes, and" instead. It's magic.

40. Don't be a jerk.

Even if your boss is one. The world has too many jerks as it is. Don't add to the problem.?

41. Honor your commitments.

If you say you are going to do something, do it. Don't leave your boss hanging. If you find that you can't make a deadline or meet a commitment, discuss options or a plan B with your boss directly and proactively before the deadline.

42. Challenge appropriately.

Managing up isn't about sucking up. If you have a different perspective, offer it respectfully and appropriately. This may take a bit of trial and error to figure out the best method and context. Try not to embarrass or weaken your boss in public settings.

43. Be flexible.

Organizations are constantly in flux. Priorities change. Goals shift. Urgent issues happen. Be flexible when you can and learn to adjust to ambiguity when necessary. Don't be the person who can't accept change.

44. Discuss delegation.

When your boss delegates a project, ask up front about his expectations, wants, and needs. Find out how much autonomy you have in the project, how much input he wants, and what kind of check-ins he needs. Don't guess - ask.

45. Consider the culture.

Your boss doesn't exist in a vacuum. And neither do you. Is your boss's behavior indicative and reflective of the organizational culture or is she an anomaly? Look for ways in which your boss successfully navigates the culture and emulate those behaviors. Be aware of ways your boss clashes with the culture and avoid those practices.

46. Speak up!

Make sure your boss knows how to best use your skills and talents. Are you a whiz with words? Let your boss know. Are you great at networking? Let your boss know. Are you a spreadsheet queen? Let your boss know. Most importantly, let your boss know how your strengths, talents, and skills can help her and the organization be successful.

47. Develop external awareness.

Be aware of things going on within your organization, the world, and your industry. Staying on top of external realities can help you be more effective in your job.

48. Manage yourself first.

Then your boss. Take responsibility for always bringing your best.?

49. Defend, don't bad-mouth.

Defend your boss to others in public the best you can. The walls have ears and you don't want your bad-mouthing to get back to your boss. Try to publicly defend your boss's decisions, even the ones with which you may disagree. Learn the art of diplomacy. Learn to say things like, "Yes, that was a surprising decision and I am sure we can find a way to make it work."?

50. Have the conversation.

Not sure what is important to your boss? Ask her. Not sure what?his priorities are? Ask him. Not sure what her communication preferences are? Ask her. Not sure what he expects of you? Don't guess. Ask.