Why Executives Need to Manage Up…Now, More than Ever!

I was speaking to a colleague the other day about my book,?Suddenly in Charge: Managing Up, Managing Down, Succeeding All Around , and was taken back when she said, “My clients, who are executives, don’t need to manage up. That’s more for mid-level and lower-level employees.” I told her she was mistaken.

As a former executive, I know first-hand what happens when you don’t manage up. I was taken out by a wave I never saw coming—I was fired. Like many executives, I was so focused on managing my function’s day-to-day operations that I completely ignored the need to build relationships with those above me and my peers. I also didn’t pay attention to the office politics that were going on around me. Big mistake.

I don’t want the same thing to happen to you.

Here are seven tips to help you manage up in the top-down world of business.

1. Decode your boss’s management style. I’ve yet to see a situation where a?boss molds his style to that of his employees. You can be certain you will be the?one doing the adjusting. Start by observing how your manager uses authority,?the way he relates to others, and his communication style as a leader. Most?bosses typically fall into one of the following categories: Dictatorial, Laissez-faire, Bureaucratic, or Consultative. Once you determine the type of manager you’ve?been handed, you can then study ways to work most effectively with this type of?leader.
2. Prepare to play the game of politics. Politics is played in every organization;?so the sooner you learn how to play this game, the better off you’ll be. Politics?is the informal way that things get done in an organization. Pay close attention?to how work really gets done in the organization. People who master this?game follow unwritten rules that allow them to maneuver swiftly through the?organization to obtain scarce resources, approval of prized projects and?promotions. Can you see now why it’s important to master this game?
3. Master the art of influencing. Influencing is communicating effectively with?a goal in mind. Be specific in your request while highlighting why it’s in your?boss’ best interest to comply with your request, and you will be on your way to?mastering the art of influence.
4. Toot your own horn. For years we’ve been taught that it’s not polite to brag.?But if we don’t, how will others know about our contributions? When companies?put together lay-off lists, they exclude those whose contributions are well known?throughout the organization. You may be the best singer in the room, but no one?will know this if you never open your mouth.
5. Manage your own performance. Bosses are busy people, and most would?rather walk on hot coals than write a performance review. Prepare your own?review, which should include ways you’ve added value to the organization as well?as areas needing further development. Present this to your boss a week prior to?your review, and don’t be surprised if what you get back closely resembles what?you’ve submitted.
6. Hire a mentor or a coach. Every star player uses a mentor or a coach to help?them improve their game. Find someone who is willing to hold up the mirror for?you so that you can clearly see what your boss is seeing. Then adjust your style?accordingly.
7. Attach your star carefully. You never want to be so closely associated with?your boss that you find yourself on the outskirts the moment she is no longer?in favor. Be your own person so others know you are more than someone’s?sidekick.

The higher up in the organization you go, the more challenging it is to manage up. Mastering this skill earlier on will help you dramatically advance in your career. However, since individuals can learn this skill, investing time in learning how to manage up will still be a valuable investment, especially if you aim to reduce the stress that accompanies an executive suite job and remain employed.

Interested in mastering the skills needed to effectively manage up so you can have a more successful career? Let’s talk .