In today’s dynamic workplace, managing upwards has become a critical skill for employees at all levels. It’s not just about managing your team or your workload—it’s about effectively communicating and aligning with your superiors to drive mutual success.
When Sarah attended our Managing Upwards program, we found her challenges were similar for many managers. So, we decided to use her case as an example of how to manage upwards
Sarah’s dilemma
Sarah, a mid-level project manager at a tech startup, was struggling with misaligned priorities and unclear communication with her direct manager, Janardhan. This led to project delays, missed opportunities, and growing frustration on both sides. Sarah realized that to improve her work environment and project outcomes, she needed to learn how to manage upwards effectively.
Her Challenges
- Misaligned Priorities: Sarah and Janardhan often had different understandings of project priorities, leading to confusion and inefficiencies.
- Lack of Communication: Regular updates and feedback were infrequent, causing a disconnect between Sarah’s efforts and Janardhan’s expectations.
- Decision-Making Delays: Without clear guidance, Sarah found it difficult to make swift decisions, resulting in project slowdowns.
Strategies for Managing Upwards
To address these challenges, she implemented several strategies to manage upwards more effectively:
- Regular Check-ins: Sarah initiated weekly one-on-one meetings with Janardhan to discuss ongoing projects, clarify priorities, and address any concerns. These meetings provided a consistent platform for open communication.
- Proactive Communication: Sarah started sending concise, weekly status reports highlighting achievements, roadblocks, and upcoming tasks. This helped Janardhan stay informed and provided a basis for more productive discussions during their check-ins.
- Understanding Manager’s Goals: Sarah took the time to understand Janardhan’s objectives and the broader company goals. This allowed her to align her projects and proposals with these goals, making it easier for Janardhan to see the value in her work.
- Seeking Feedback: Sarah actively sought feedback from Janardhan on her performance and project direction. This not only helped her improve but also demonstrated her commitment to meeting Janardhan’s expectations.
- Building Trust: By consistently delivering on promises and maintaining transparency, Sarah gradually built a strong foundation of trust with Janardhan. This trust empowered her to take more initiative and make informed decisions autonomously.
Outcomes
The results of her efforts were significant:
- Improved Project Outcomes: With clearer communication and alignment, project timelines improved, and outcomes became more predictable.
- Enhanced Relationship: The trust and understanding between Sarah and Janardhan grew, leading to a more collaborative and supportive working relationship.
- Increased Autonomy: As Janardhan’s confidence in Sarah’s abilities grew, she was granted more autonomy, allowing her to lead projects more effectively.
- Professional Growth: Sarah’s proactive approach not only enhanced her current role but also positioned her as a potential candidate for future leadership opportunities.
Managing upwards is a vital skill that can transform workplace dynamics and drive success.
Remember, effective management is a two-way street. By understanding and addressing the needs of your superiors, you not only enhance your own performance but also contribute to the overall success of your organization.
Connect with us to share your experiences or strategies on managing upwards. Let’s learn and grow together!
If you’d like to know more about our Managing Upwards workshops and programs, connect with us at info@trginc.in or connect with Mark Pereira to explore how we can work together.