Why Managing Up is Key to Professional Success?
Managing up, or the art of building a productive relationship with your boss is often overlooked in the workplace. Many people believe that their boss’s job is to manage them, and their job is to carry out their boss’s directives. However, if you want to achieve exponential success in your career, it’s crucial to view your relationship with your boss as a partnership rather than a hierarchy.
When you manage up, you become a trusted partner to your boss, which can lead to career growth and success. By helping your boss achieve their goals and look good in front of their bosses, you position yourself as an invaluable member of the team. You become someone your boss can rely on, and in return, your boss is likely to advocate for your career growth and development.
I’ve had personal experiences where managing up has been instrumental in my career growth. Early in my career, I realized the importance of forging this partnership and working towards a common goal that can help my boss achieve his KRAs. This is where I see people going wrong. If you understand this one trick, it will give you success throughout your corporate career – “it is not about achieving your KRAs, it is about making your boss achieve his/her KRAs“.
Managing up doesn’t mean becoming a “yes-man” to your boss or sacrificing your own priorities and goals. It’s important to maintain a balance between supporting your boss and advocating for yourself. By understanding your boss’s priorities and objectives, you can find ways to align your own goals with theirs. This not only benefits your boss but also helps you achieve your own career objectives.
Another critical aspect of managing up is communication. It’s essential to communicate regularly with your boss, provide updates on your progress, and seek feedback on your work. This helps build trust and strengthens your working relationship. It’s also important to be transparent and honest in your communication. If you’re struggling with a task or need more guidance, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Managing up also involves understanding your boss’s working style and preferences. Some bosses prefer to be updated frequently, while others prefer a more hands-off approach. By understanding your boss’s preferences, you can tailor your communication style to match their needs.
Managing up is a critical skill that can help you achieve exponential success in your career. By building a strong partnership with your boss, you position yourself as an invaluable member of the team and create opportunities for career growth and development. Understand its true meaning and use it to your advantage.