Key tips for managing up

Often neglected is the ability and art of managing upwards effectively. For anyone who has a desire to move their career, team or organisation forward having the competency to manage upwards is an important component.

Below I've identified three key areas to help manage upwards and move your career ahead

Show honor for the position

Showing honor for your leaders position is a posture which begins with the adoption of humility. This is an attitude which understands respect is often earned, but honor is given irrespective. Unfortunately, honoring others is a position which has been eroded in our culture partly due to ineffective leadership, cultural changes and various other factors. Despite this, honoring leadership is an effective and collaborative way to support your organisation and personal career. We have all been witness to individual micro aggressions towards management including gossip and stubbornness. Although this gives the individual the feeling of control or power it not only damages your effectiveness but the effectiveness of others.

?Support the goals of another

The progression of your direct line manager and the leadership team has a direct impact on your ability to progress. If part of your objectives are to support your manager achieve his or her goals you will have direct involvement in their success and as such be the best placed person to progress into their role should they achieve promotion or move organisation. Not only will you learn new skills and support the progression of the organisation, more importantly you will have demonstrated an excellent attitude and be given more responsibility.

?Communicate strategically

Having an open and honest line of communication with leadership is vital and managing this with competency can really support your ability to manage upwards, add value and support your career. Firstly, before communicating think is this the right time to communicate. Disturbing an individual while they are in flow can cause real frustrations and hinder your ability to have future access. Secondly, have you thought about the idea or problem first providing several options or proposals to take to your manager. Thirdly think, is my communication adding value to my manager, the team or perhaps even my own performance and wellbeing.?