Manage Up or Get Managed Out
7 Self Advocacy Strategies For Work
Full transparency: career success isn't just about your technical skills. It's also about navigating the intricate web of workplace dynamics. One of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects is "managing up." As an HR insider and career coach, I've seen countless talented individuals stumble, not due to a lack of competence, but because of their inability to effectively manage their relationship with their superiors. In today's competitive landscape, failing to manage up can unfortunately lead to being "managed out."
This article isn't about manipulation or brown-nosing. It's about building a mutually beneficial relationship with your manager, understanding their priorities, and becoming an invaluable asset to their success (and, consequently, your own).
The Reality Check: Why Managing Up Matters More Than Ever
Increased Workload & Pressure: Managers are often overloaded, making clear communication and proactive support essential.
Visibility & Recognition: In remote or hybrid environments, your contributions can easily go unnoticed without strategic visibility.
Advocacy & Sponsorship: Your manager is your primary advocate for promotions, raises, and opportunities.**
Alignment & Collaboration: Misalignment with your manager's goals can lead to frustration and missed opportunities.
Practical Tips and Strategies from an HR Insider:
Understand Your Manager's Communication Style:
Are they detail-oriented or big-picture focused?
Do they prefer email, meetings, or quick chats?
What are their preferred reporting methods?
Tool: Consider their personality assessments like CliftonStrenghts, DISC or Myers-Briggs (if available) to gain insights into their communication preferences.
Schedule Monthly "Impact Reflection" to Build Your Success Portfolio:
Instead of simply anticipating needs, dedicate time each month to reflect on your accomplishments and their impact.
Document specific wins, quantify your contributions with data, and connect them to team or company goals.
Create a "Success Portfolio" (or "Impact Portfolio") – a living document or digital space showcasing your achievements.
This portfolio becomes a powerful tool for performance reviews, promotion discussions, and demonstrating your value.
Strategy: Schedule a recurring monthly appointment in your calendar titled "Impact Reflection." During this time, review your work, document successes, and update your Success Portfolio.
Tool: Use a cloud-based document (Google Docs, Notion, etc.) or a dedicated portfolio platform (if available) to store your achievements, metrics, and testimonials.
Communicate Effectively & Concisely:
Summarize key information and highlight the impact of your work.
Use data and metrics to support your claims.
Be transparent and honest, even when delivering bad news.
Tip: Practice the "elevator pitch" technique to communicate your progress and contributions succinctly.
Seek Feedback & Act Upon It:
Schedule regular check-ins to solicit feedback on your performance.
Demonstrate a willingness to learn and improve.
Document feedback and track your progress.
Tool: Use a feedback tracking document or project management software like Asana or Trello to monitor action items and progress.
Build Trust & Rapport:
Be reliable and consistent in your work.
Show genuine interest in their professional development.
Respect their time and boundaries.
Strategy: Find common ground beyond work, such as shared interests or industry events.
Highlight Your Value & Contributions:
Keep a "brag file" documenting your accomplishments.
Share your successes in a professional and concise manner.
Connect your work to the team's and company's overall goals.
Tip: When reporting completed work, use phrases like "This project contributed to a $X increase in revenue" or "This solution saved the team Y hours of work."
Manage Expectations & Set Boundaries:
Communicate your workload and availability clearly.
Don't be afraid to say "no" when necessary.
Prioritize tasks and focus on high-impact activities.
Strategy: Utilize time management techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks. Ask questions like, “which priorities should I shift to accommodate this new initiative” when your workload is at capacity but asked to do more.
The Bottom Line:
Managing up is not about playing politics; it's about building a strong, collaborative relationship with your manager. It's about understanding their needs, demonstrating your value, and becoming a trusted partner in their success. By implementing these practical tips and strategies, you can not only avoid being "managed out" but also accelerate your career growth and achieve your professional goals
What strategies have you found most effective in managing up? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below!