Managing Managers: The Most Important skill you’ll need
Do you ever think about managing managers?
As a junior or mid-level professional, you may not have given much thought to managing your manager. After all, shouldn’t it be their job to manage you? In reality, though, the most successful professionals are those who know how to manage up. By taking steps to proactively manage your boss, you can improve your chances for career advancement and build a better working relationship.
Not sure where to start? This guide will give you everything you need to know about managing your managers, including:
• What is a manager and what they do
• Why should you manage managers
• Tips for dealing with difficult managers or complex stakeholders
• Handling situations when you don’t agree with your manager
• Dealing with micromanagement from your manager
• Strategies for developing better relationships with your manager
• Strategies for managing a remote manager
Why Should You Manage Managers?
Simply put, when you manage your boss effectively, it leads to better career outcomes. When you take the time to understand their goals and priorities and help them meet those objectives, they will view you as a valued member of the team—someone who makes their job easier.
And that puts you in a prime position for things like raises, promotions, and high-visibility projects.
Managing managers may be the single most important work skill you’ll need for a happy, fast and productive career.
The complete framework for managing managers
1. Develop a Good Relationship
The first step to managing your manager is to develop a good relationship with them. This means getting to know them as a person, understanding their goals and objectives, and building trust. A good relationship with your boss will make it easier to have difficult conversations and provide constructive feedback.
2. Communicate Regularly
It’s important to communicate regularly with your manager, even if things are going well. This will help to keep them up-to-date on your work, give them an opportunity to provide feedback, and allow you to flag any potential problems before they become big issues.
3. Set Expectations
It’s important that you and your boss are on the same page when it comes to expectations. Make sure that you understand what they expect from you in terms of your job duties, output, and deadlines. It’s also important to set your own expectations for their level of involvement in your work.
4. Provide Feedback
Providing feedback is a key part of managing managers. This includes both positive feedback, which can help them know what you’re doing well, and constructive feedback, which can help them improve their management style. It’s important to be honest and direct when giving feedback, but also respectful and tactful.
5. Be Proactive
When it comes to managing managers, it’s important to be proactive rather than reactive. This means being proactive about communicating, setting expectations, and providing feedback. It also means being proactive about solving problems and taking initiative on projects.
6. Be Respectful
Respect is crucial in any relationship, including the one between you and your boss. Showing respect for their time, opinions, and authority will go a long way in managing your boss effectively.
7. Be Flexible
Flexibility is another important quality when it comes to managing managers. There will be times when they need you to change course on a project or adjust your priorities based on their needs. Being flexible will show that you’re adaptable and willing to work together for the best results.
8. Be Honest
Honesty is always the best policy when managing managers. This doesn’t mean that you need to share everything with them, but it does mean being honest about your work, goals, and challenges. Honesty will build trust and respect between you and your boss.
You are more likely to get what you want (sabbaticals, break, vacation, sick days etc.,) when your manager trusts you. And that starts with you being honest about your reasons.
It doesn’t mean you want their blessing on your life decisions. It just means that they won’t find you in the bar on your sick day off.
9. Be Professional
It’s important to maintain a professional attitude when managing managers. This means being polite and respectful at all times, dressing appropriately for meetings, and not sharing personal information that could potentially damage your relationship.
Gossip about your manager will eventually reach them. Stay professional and shut up when you don’t need to share your opinion.
Let’s dive into some frequent scenarios in managing managers.
Tips for Managing Managers who are Difficult (unintentionally)
Dealing with a difficult boss can be challenging—but it’s not impossible. Here are four tips for managing up when your manager is tough to deal with:
1. Establish clear expectations from the start
Establishing clear expectations from the start can help reduce tension and misunderstandings with a difficult manager. Make sure you are clear on what is expected of you, both in terms of job duties and deadlines. If your boss gives you an assignment, ask for clarification if needed so that there is no confusion.
2. Keep communication lines open
Keeping communication lines open is essential when working with a difficult boss. Stay in regular contact, even if everything is going well, to let them know what you are working on, give them an opportunity to provide feedback, and flag any potential problems.
3. Lead by example
Leading by example can be a powerful way to manage a difficult boss. If you are proactive, communicative, and respectful, they are more likely to mirror these behaviors.
4. Don’t take things personally
Don’t take things personally when working with a difficult boss. Remember that they are not trying to make your life difficult on purpose, they may just have a different management style than you are used to. Try to stay calm and professional in all interactions.
Managing Managers When You Disagree
It’s inevitable that there will be times when you don’t see eye to eye with your boss. Maybe they’ve made a decision that you disagree with or assigned a project that’s outside of your skill set. Instead of getting upset or feeling frustrated, take a deep breath and follow these three steps:
1. Have a conversation
Having a conversation is the first step when you don’t agree with your boss. Talk to them about your concerns and explain why you think they are making a mistake. Be respectful and try to stay calm during the discussion.
2. Respect their decision
Respect is key when dealing with a difficult boss. Even if you don’t agree with their decision, always treat them with respect. This includes listening to what they have to say, not raising your voice, and using appropriate language.
3. Focus on the positive
Focusing on the positive is a good way to manage a difficult boss. No one is perfect, and there will be times when you don’t agree with them. Instead of dwelling on the negatives, try to find things to appreciate about your boss and the working relationship you have.
Dealing With Micromanagement From Your Boss
If you feel like your boss is breathing down your neck all the time, you’re not alone—micromanagement is one of the most common complaints employees have about their managers. If you’re struggling to deal with a micromanager, here are three tips that can help:
1. Set boundaries early on
Establishing boundaries early on can help reduce tension and misunderstandings with a difficult manager. Make sure you are clear on what is expected of you, both in terms of job duties and deadlines. If your boss gives you an assignment, ask for clarification if needed so that there is no confusion. If their micromanagement is causing problems, let them know in a respectful way that you need some breathing room.
2. Take Initiative
Taking initiative can be a powerful way to manage a difficult boss. If you are proactive, communicative, and respectful, they are more likely to mirror these behaviors. If you see a project or task that needs attention, don’t wait for your boss to assign it to you—take the lead and show them what you can do.
3. Be forthcoming about what works (and doesn’t work) for you
Being forthcoming about what works (and doesn’t work) for you can help reduce tension and misunderstandings with a difficult boss. Let them know if their micromanagement style is causing problems for you and offer suggestions on how they could give you more independence. Try to stay positive and constructive in all conversations.
Managing Remote Managers
Managing remotely has become more common in recent years—but that doesn’t make it any easier. If you find yourself in this situation, here are four tips that can help make it easier to manage up:
1. Over communicate
If you’re working with a remote manager, it’s important to over communicate. This means sending regular updates, communicating clearly and concisely, and being responsive to any questions or requests. Don’t wait until the end of the project to send a summary—send updates as often as needed so that your manager is always kept in the loop.
2. Set (and stick to) simple routines
When working with a remote manager, it’s helpful to set (and stick to) simple routines. This can include things like sending a daily update, checking in every other day, or holding regular video calls. Having a routine will help ensure that communication is consistent and that both parties are on the same page.
3. Get creative with meeting times
Since meeting times can be tricky when working remotely, it’s important to get creative. Try to find times that work for both parties, and if needed, use video calls or conference calls instead of in-person meetings. If there are specific times of day when you’re more productive, let your manager know and see if there’s a way to schedule meetings during those times.
4. Seek out feedback
If you’re finding it difficult to manage a remote manager, don’t be afraid to seek out feedback. Talk to your boss about what’s working (and what isn’t), and ask for suggestions on how you could improve your communication. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Wrap Up
Managing your manager might seem like an daunting task—but it’s really not as complicated as it seems.
By following the tips laid out in this guide, you can develop a better working relationship with your boss while positioning yourself for greater career success down the road.
So what are you waiting for? Start managing up today!
If you need help, reach out to a career coach. More below
More from the author on RTE, Agile coach, Scrum Master / Product Owner / Why you need a Career Coach / Interview Coach / Managing Managers / IT Career switch. Ilam also is a keen AI enthusiast & writes about popular AI tools like Jasper, Writecream etc.
