The Art of Managing Up

Do you actively encourage a healthy and positive relationship with your manager?

Some managers do not make 'managing up' easy, which can then make it extra challenging for you, their direct report! Sometimes they are overwhelmed, overextended or understaffed. Regardless, it is in your best interest to persevere and to make the relationship work.

If you have a difficult manager, it can be very easy to get caught in a spiral of bitterness or negative thinking. Change is hard. It's far easier when the other person changes, right? While our interpretation of the situation might actually be correct, the truth is that your boss isn't going to change. All you can do is change your reaction and your interaction.

When we think of the best Executive Assistant ever, they’re someone who anticipates their managers needs and priorities. When you think of your manager, what are their drivers? What’s most important to them? What do they need to report on and what part do you play in this? How can you add more value? What equally frustrates or annoys them?

Is your manager:

• A hands-off manager? “Mate, I trust you, that’s why I don’t check in with you a lot or micromanage you”. You may feel very appreciative of this trust, but also begging for some guidance and feedback so you know you’re on the right track! If that’s the case, you may need to be the one to set the regular catch ups and be very specific about what you need in order to achieve success in your role, which in turn works out well for your manager.
• A new manager, someone you’ve not worked with before? It takes time to get to know each other before you can predict their needs and learn what style of manager they are and how you can best work together. Collaborate, communicate and be honest. Know your job and do it well.
• One who you don’t see in person as they're based in another location/state? Communication is key, and lots of it, via whatever platform is preferred (zoom/phone/emails). If in doubt, ask you manager for their feedback on frequency and content.
• An indecisive one? Don't take this personally. Perhaps it is due to a workplace culture issue, or their own insecurities. Seek to understand what is driving this behaviour and then to establish yourself as someone who can be trusted and relied upon as a sounding board. Can you offer support with analysis on a certain project or collaborate on a solution?

If you have had a falling out, or you feel your boss doesn’t trust you, it is possible to repair this relationship. It may take time, yet is worth persevering with if you enjoy your job and the company you work for. Interestingly, it can be equally as tricky when you are too close to your manager. In situations like this, it is particularly important to ensure those around/above your manager are aware of your skill set and the value you add to the business. Don't let them be the only advocate for your great work.

Managing up isn’t simple, nor is it straightforward. It requires courage, communication, intuition, perseverance, and honesty. Sometimes, it may be worth considering a job change. Your happiness is important too.

Mindful People is a Brisbane-based independent staffing agency offering clients a wealth of experience and unrivalled results with a strong focus on people, performance and culture.

Anita Cavanough

People & Culture Specialist | Owner - Mindful People

[email protected] | www.mindful-people.com.au