The Art of Managing Up and Driving Impact

Insights from Manogna Machiraju and Jeremy Burns at the Trainline Senior Leadership Event

?? On 6th November, senior technology leaders gathered in London to explore "Managing Up: The Key to Unlocking Career Growth for You and Your Team." Organised by Sam Findlay of Oliver Bernard, the event featured talks from Manogna Machiraju, Head of Engineering at Domestic & General, and Jeremy Burns, Non-Executive Director and Chief Technologist at Globewise. Together, they shared invaluable insights on leadership, decision-making, and building a proactive team culture.

?? Manogna Machiraju’s Advice on Leadership and Decision-Making

Manogna Machiraju opened the event with a powerful discussion on decisiveness, continuous learning, and leading by example. As Head of Engineering, she has seen how these attributes drive team success and personal career growth.

1. Embracing Decisive Leadership with Data

Manogna encouraged leaders to get comfortable with saying no and to base decisions on data. When making team-based decisions, gathering evidence to validate choices is key (e.g., determine whether roles like Scrum Masters are essential through data-based analysis).

?? This approach not only creates accountability but sets high standards for decision-making across teams.

2. Avoiding the "HIPPO Effect" ??

The Highest Paid Person’s Opinion (HIPPO) often dominates conversations. Manogna urged leaders to avoid relying on authority alone and to use data and team input to guide decisions. “Your role isn’t to be the smartest in the room,” she said, “but to enable collective problem-solving.”

3. Building a Learning Culture

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, staying relevant requires continuous learning. Manogna emphasised the importance of upskilling and understanding the latest technological advancements.

?? Pro tip: Use 1:1s to build trust rather than for updates, and reserve weekly reports for sharing top priorities and tasks to streamline communication.

?????? Jeremy Burns on the Art of Managing Up

Jeremy Burns expanded on the concept of managing up, exploring how team alignment with leadership goals is essential for professional and organisational growth. His insights focused on the importance of proactive support and understanding the pressures managers face.

1. Aligning with Your Manager’s Vision and Goals

Jeremy highlighted the need to understand your manager’s challenges and goals. By anticipating these needs, you support your manager’s effectiveness and contribute to the team’s success.

??? Key questions to ask:

- “What’s your biggest challenge, and how can I help?”

- “Are there any deadlines I should be aware of?”

- “What’s keeping you up at night?”

2. Clarifying What Managing Up Means

Managing up is not about impressing your boss—it’s about genuinely supporting their goals and the broader team vision. The aim is to solve problems, proactively own outcomes, and stay aligned with organisational priorities.

3. Training Your Team to Manage Up

Burns suggested that to foster a self-reliant, empowered team, leaders should cultivate open communication, goal clarity, and autonomy. When teams understand your objectives, they can take greater ownership and support the team's mission.

?? Practical Frameworks: The Seven Levels of Problem Solving

Jeremy introduced a valuable tool for team problem-solving: the Seven Levels of Problem Solving. This framework encourages teams to take ownership and operate more proactively.

?? Practical Guide: What Managing Up Is—and What It Isn’t

Jeremy clarified that managing up requires leaders to balance updates with proactive solutions, support with alignment, and autonomy with guidance. Here’s a breakdown of what managing up involves and what it doesn’t:

??? Practical Steps for Managing Up and Empowering Teams

Burns and Machiraju both provided actionable strategies to empower teams while staying aligned with broader organisational goals:

1. Discuss Challenges Regularly
2. Be Clear on Metrics and Goals
3. Empower Your Team
4. Use Time Effectively

?? Final Thoughts

The event highlighted that managing up is a critical skill for leaders at all levels. Jeremy Burns and Manogna Machiraju’s insights remind us that leadership is about listening, aligning, and creating environments where everyone can thrive.

As Sam Findlay of Oliver Bernard summarised: “Leadership isn’t just a title; it’s a commitment to learning, supporting others, and fostering growth.” ?? In today’s fast-paced environment, these skills are invaluable for any professional looking to make a meaningful impact.