Managing your manager might seem daunting initially, but it’s a crucial skill for anyone seeking long-term career success. Developing a positive, productive relationship with your boss not only enhances your job satisfaction but also helps accelerate your professional growth and career trajectory.

Here’s how you can effectively “manage upward,” build a strong working relationship with your manager, and maximise your career opportunities:

Why Managing Your Manager Matters

Effective management goes both ways. It’s not just about how your boss manages you; it’s equally about how you proactively manage the relationship upward. A good relationship with your manager ensures clearer communication, reduced misunderstandings, and increased opportunities for growth, recognition, and advancement.

Here are five actionable strategies to build an excellent working relationship with your manager:

5 Tangible Steps to Effectively Manage Your Manager

1. Learn Their Communication Preferences

One key to effective upward management is understanding and adapting to your manager’s preferred communication style. Some managers prefer concise emails, while others value detailed, face-to-face discussions. Observe and ask directly about their preferences to tailor your communication effectively. Matching your approach to their style ensures your message is clearly understood, strengthening mutual understanding and trust.

2. Clarify Expectations Early and Often

Avoid assumptions about what your manager expects. Take initiative by having open, transparent conversations about performance goals and expectations regularly. Clarify your manager’s objectives and priorities, ensuring alignment and reducing potential confusion. Understanding their broader goals also helps you see how your role fits into the larger organisational strategy, enabling more meaningful contributions.

3. Consistently Perform Above Expectations

Excellence is a powerful way to manage upward effectively. Consistently performing above expectations builds trust and demonstrates your value clearly. Go beyond basic requirements by delivering high-quality work, proactively solving problems, and seeking opportunities to add additional value. High performance positions you as a trusted, indispensable member of your team.

4. Advocate for Your Long-Term Goals

Your manager can’t support your career aspirations if they aren’t aware of them. Regularly (yet tactfully) share your professional goals and aspirations during suitable moments, such as during performance reviews or career development conversations. Avoid being overly pushy; instead, present your goals as mutually beneficial growth opportunities. Clear communication allows your manager to actively support your long-term success.

5. Build a Genuine, Positive Relationship

Invest in building a positive, authentic relationship with your manager. Show genuine interest in them as individuals, ask about their interests, and actively listen to their concerns and feedback. Being approachable, respectful, and friendly strengthens your rapport, increasing mutual respect and support. A strong interpersonal connection can significantly enhance your work experience and overall job satisfaction.

The Benefits of Successfully Managing Your Manager

Effectively managing upward provides multiple career benefits, including:

• Enhanced job satisfaction and reduced workplace stress.
• Improved clarity around goals and expectations.
• Greater opportunities for advancement and career growth.
• A stronger reputation and increased influence within your organisation.

Final Thoughts: Your Path to Greater Success

Managing your manager is a crucial skill for career progression. By learning their communication style, clarifying expectations, delivering exceptional performance, sharing your long-term goals, and building authentic relationships, you’ll create a supportive and productive work environment that benefits both you and your organisation.

Start managing upward effectively today, and take control of your career success.

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Originally published on LinkedIn.

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