In today’s fast-paced workplace, the real secret to success isn’t just managing your own work. It’s learning how to manage your boss! Yep, managing upwards is a game-changer for employees at all levels.
When Sarita, a mid-level project manager at a tech company, approached me for coaching, she was struggling to talk to her manager. They were having frustrating conversations and somehow she felt that he was thinking of moving her to another team…things had gone that bad!
The result? Confusion, missed deadlines, and a serious dose of frustration on both sides. But instead of throwing in the towel, Sarita realized she needed to step up her game and start managing upwards like a champ.
Over many coaching sessions, we explored and developed strategies using the M.A.N.A.G.E. framework.
On a seperate note – the steps for MANAGE acronym are in no particular order. This acronym can serve as a reminder of the key principles of effectively managing upwards, fostering better communication and collaboration with your superiors.
M – Mutual Understanding: Understand your manager’s goals, challenges, and expectations.
A – Align Priorities: Ensure your tasks and projects align with your manager’s objectives and the organization’s vision.
N – Navigate Challenges: Proactively identify and address roadblocks that may hinder progress, offering solutions.
A – Active Communication: Maintain open and regular communication with your manager, providing updates and seeking feedback.
G – Gain Trust: Build trust through reliability, transparency, and consistently delivering on commitments.
E – Empower Decisions: Take initiative and make informed decisions, showing your ability to handle responsibility and take ownership.
Sarita’s winning playbook for managing upwards
Weekly Face-Time: She booked regular check-ins with Jignesh to get clear on what needed to happen. No more guessing games!
Crystal Clear Updates: Sarita started sending bite-sized status reports each week. Quick and to the point—exactly what Jignesh needed to stay in the loop.
Getting Inside her Boss’s Head: By understanding what Jignesh really wanted to achieve, Sarita made sure her work aligned perfectly with his goals. Suddenly, her projects started looking way more valuable.
Asking for Feedback Like a Pro: Instead of waiting for Jignesh to drop hints, Sarita actively sought out feedback. This helped her improve, fast, and showed Jignesh she was serious about getting it right.
Building the Trust Factor: By consistently delivering and staying transparent, Sarita built a solid foundation of trust. And with that trust came more freedom to make decisions on her own.The Results?
Game-Changing!
Projects Back on Track: Communication and alignment improved, and so did project outcomes—faster, smoother, and more successful.
A Stronger Relationship: Sarita and Jignesh finally started working as a team, with more trust and collaboration.
More Autonomy: As Jignesh’s confidence in her grew, Sarita was able to take the reins and lead more effectively.
Leveling Up: By stepping up her game, Sarita didn’t just fix the current problems—she positioned herself as a strong candidate for future leadership roles.
The Bottom Line
Managing upwards is the ultimate power move in any workplace. It’s all about clear communication, aligning with your boss’s goals, and building a rock-solid foundation of trust.
Sarita’s story is proof that when you master this skill, you can transform your work environment and pave the way for bigger and better opportunities.
Connect with me to share your experiences or strategies on managing upwards. Let’s learn and grow together!
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Learning Sparks is where the magic of learning meets the science of getting things done, with a sprinkle of common sense and a dash of inspiration. Steered by Navaz Hilloowala (MLE) —who, like a seasoned alchemist of training and coaching, knows exactly how to turn confusion into clarity—this newsletter offers practical tips, ingenious strategies, and the kind of content that gets your brain ticking.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just someone trying to wrangle their inbox, Navaz’s Learning Sparks provides the tools to communicate better, build stronger teams, and, dare we say it, take over the world (or at least your corner of it). So, if you’re looking to communicate with confidence, unlock potential, and navigate today’s workplace without accidentally summoning a paperwork dragon, this is the place for you.
With over 24 years of experience, Navaz Hilloowala (MLE) has trained and coached middle and senior management across various industries. Her areas of expertise include Communication Skills, Leadership Development, Diversity & Inclusion, Team Building to name a few.
Navaz’s clients include prestigious companies such as Deloitte , Deutsche Bank , Siemens , EtihadAirways , Mahindra Group , J.P. Morgan, Shoppers Stop, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank , Johnson amp; Johnson, Larsen & Toubro, and many more.