Co-founder of Maven. Co-founder of altMBA. Helping tech operators raise the bar for themselves and their teams.
Remembering that your manager also has a manager should be sweet solace in a schadenfreude-y way. All the stuff you're doing to manage up...they are also doing to manage up. Your VP is managing up to their CMO. Your CMO is managing up to their CEO. Your CEO is managing up to their board, investors, etc. No one is exempt. They're managing up too, because the need to manage up is a core part of being a successful operator. It's a skill worth learning because it serves you now, and keeps on giving throughout your career. ___ Give this a repost ♻️ to help others & follow Wes Kao for more on managing up, managing others, and managing yourself.
Bruce Clark
5mo
I was once in a job interview where I was asked what my job was. Part of my answer was, "My job is to make you look better." (I got the job.)
Jason Yoong
5mo
Help your manager help you by helping them. An incredible anecdotal data point: 9/10 managers say their direct reports have never once asked them: "How can I help you?"
Management is required 360, though the weightage and effort each side requires may vary contextually. We often believe that managing up will solve for our career. I've seen many focussing upwards with such zeal, with nary a thought to those below or around. This works only in the short term, till your reputation catches up. Then there are some who are so focussed on downward management (they identify as 'the manager' or 'parent' or even monarch) they ignore managing up. Even some great managers sometimes forget that managing up is required and essential for the benefit of their team as well. And some invest in or ignore managing other stakeholders inside and outside the organization. Again, in time they reap the benefits or the fallouts of their reputation and network, both critical for long term career growth.
Ryann Foelker
5mo
Everybody answers to someone
Lorraine K. Lee
5mo
Yes! Learning to manage-up is a skill that will carry you in every role and it can be a big differentiator as someone who is strategic vs not. Here are a few ways to stand out as a capable and competent teammate to your manager: 1/ Any time you ask a question, add your recommendation or suggested solution. This demonstrates leadership and strategic thinking. 2/ Come to your 1:1s organized and ready for discussion. Jot down roadblocks/challenges and career growth questions to make the best use of your time together and to stand out as someone who is organized and comes prepared. 3/ Suggest you both create ReadMe’s — a personal operating manual that details how you work, receive/give feedback, etc. This is one of my favorite things! I have two favorite resources that can help - Nano Tips for Managing Up: https://www.linkedin.com/learning/nano-tips-for-managing-up-with-lorraine-lee My ReadMe that you can use as an example: https://lorraineklee.ck.page/readme Hope these are helpful. :)
Anthony Soltero
5mo
A question worth asking yourself is: How can I be the best direct report my boss has ever had? https://www.linkedin.com/posts/anthonysoltero_ask-yourself-this-question-how-can-i-be-activity-7218985252969443328-7vU_?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop
Akriti Agarwal
4mo
Absolutely, you're spot on. At Habit10X, we guide individuals in mastering the art of managing up, a crucial skill across all levels. According to Harvard Business Review, 75% of employees struggle with managing up effectively. This can often stem from a lack of understanding that managing up is a mutual process—leaders also have to manage their own superiors. Psychological factors like the need for validation and the pressure of hierarchical expectations play a big role. Recognizing this dynamic can transform how we approach our interactions and foster better professional relationships. Embrace the skill of managing up as it not only serves immediate needs but builds long-term career resilience.
Anamika Rai
4mo
Absolutely—I've seen many succeed by mastering the art of managing up. Studies reveal that 80% of high-performing professionals excel by understanding the needs and pressures of those above them (Harvard Business Review). Managing up isn’t just a skill; it’s a critical part of career progression. People often overlook this because they’re focused solely on their own tasks, underestimating the strategic advantage of aligning their efforts with higher-level objectives. Additionally, the psychological need for recognition drives us to showcase our value in ways that resonate with decision-makers. We help individuals who want to upgrade their mindset at my company...in case someone wants to check, here is the website link. www.habit10x.com
Lauren Friedman
5mo
The answer to “who manages the managers”… If we follow the management chain high enough, is there one CEO who rules them all?
Helping startups build credibility and turn listeners into leads through white glove podcast production
5moThose who manage up well, tend to manage down well. I have seen this first hand with a couple of my best managers.