Mastering the Art of Managing Up

I wrote the below "musing" for my team at thredUP.  Recently, I have been thinking about relationships between managers and their team.  I realized that before I was a manager myself, I didn't really understand how to have the most effective relationship with my superiors or influence upwards.  This is advice about how to "Manage Up" that I wish I had known at the beginning of my career.
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In today's complex corporate landscape, an invaluable skill that often remains under-discussed is the ability to "manage up." At its core, managing up is about crafting a productive working relationship with those above you in the organizational hierarchy. However, to truly grasp its nuances, we must first understand what it is not.

Managing up isn’t about currying favor through flattery or sycophancy. It’s not a ploy to bypass hierarchies inappropriately, nor is it a method to shirk responsibilities or transform your manager's role into your own. Most critically, it isn't a self-serving strategy focused solely on individual goals. Instead, it seeks to align the ambitions of the individual, the team, and the organization.

With these misconceptions set aside, we can focus on the essence of managing up.

Understanding and Aligning with Managerial Goals

The organizational ladder is a complex structure, with each rung having its unique challenges and priorities. However, a common thread binds all these rungs: the goals and aspirations of the organization. One of the first steps in effectively managing up is understanding these objectives. It's pivotal to see not just the broader organizational goals, but also the immediate priorities of your manager.

By aligning with their vision, you position yourself as a strategic asset, ready to proactively contribute to mutual success.

Tips:
Engage in Quarterly Discussions: Set aside time to discuss and understand your manager’s quarterly goals. This helps you prioritize your tasks accordingly.
Practice Reflective Listening: When in a conversation with your manager, occasionally paraphrase what they’ve said to ensure you've captured their viewpoint.

Building a Trust-Based Relationship

Work relationships, much like personal ones, thrive on trust. The foundation for effective upward management is not just understanding your manager's goals, but also forming a bond of trust and mutual respect. This trust translates to increased responsibilities, critical projects, and, more importantly, a harmonious work environment.

Tips: Consistent Deliverables: Stick to deadlines and always aim to meet or exceed expectations. Openness in Communication: Share both successes and setbacks. A transparent relationship builds trust faster.

The Significance of Proactive Communication

In the ever-evolving corporate landscape, staying ahead is the key. Proactive communication embodies this principle by emphasizing anticipation. By keeping your manager informed about progress, potential challenges, and solutions, you foster a sense of collaboration, ensuring that both of you are always on the same page.

Tips: Schedule Regular Updates: Instead of waiting for weekly meetings, send short, regular updates to keep your manager in the loop. Clarify, Don't Assume: If there's any ambiguity in instructions or feedback, seek clarity immediately.

Advocating for Yourself and Your Team

In the hustle and bustle of corporate life, it's easy for individual and team needs to get overlooked. Advocacy is the act of ensuring that these needs are articulated, recognized, and addressed. By standing up for yourself and your team, you bridge the gap between ground-level challenges and top-tier strategies.

Tips: Establish Clear Communication Channels: Whether it's a team meeting or a one-on-one, ensure there's a designated time and place for discussing needs and concerns. Document and Present: When advocating for resources or training, come prepared with data or case studies to support your requests.

Pushing Back: The Respectful Art of Disagreement

Disagreements are natural in any collaborative environment. However, the difference between constructive and destructive disagreement lies in the approach. Respectful pushback is about ensuring that your viewpoint is heard without sidelining your manager's perspective.

Tips: Choose the Right Time: Timing is crucial. Find a moment when both you and your manager can discuss the issue without distractions. Use “I” Statements: This helps in communicating your perspective without sounding confrontational.

Managing up is an intricate dance of understanding, communication, and mutual respect. By mastering these skills, professionals can not only elevate their own career trajectories but also contribute meaningfully to the organization's overarching goals. The journey to effective upward management is ongoing, but with the right strategies in place, it can be immensely rewarding.