Unlocking Career Success Through Managing Up

The term ‘managing up’ refers to the process of fostering effective communication and building strong relationships with supervisors and managers. It's a critical skill for career advancement, allowing employees to work more collaboratively with their leaders and stand out in the workplace.

In today's increasingly complex and competitive work environments, mastering the art of managing up has become more than just a buzzword; it's a proven strategy for professional growth and, in turn, has become a popular workplace phenomenon in recent years.

This article will discuss how to manage up successfully, strategies for doing it effectively, the immediate benefits of managing up, and why managing up is an important lesson to learn early on in your career and in the long term—no matter how junior you are.

Why is managing up challenging?

While the benefits are profound—and, as you’ll read about in the next section, often immediate—many mid-level managers or professionals find managing up difficult.

Although the reason for this truly does depend on the character and circumstances of the individual, the pattern may have something to do with the mindset shift that managing up requires.

Key obstacles include:

• Self-discipline and time management: These are foundational for successfully managing up, as it requires consistent effort.
• Confidence and self-belief: The ability to communicate effectively with senior management often calls for a high level of self-assurance.
• Increased responsibility: Taking ownership of tasks and aligning them with organisational goals can feel daunting for some.

Overcoming these challenges is possible with the right strategies and mindset. Let’s dive into the “do’s” and “don’ts” of how to manage up.

How to manage up successfully

Now that you have a good grasp on the concept of managing up, let’s look at some specific tactics for doing so successfully.

Do’s of managing up

When managing up, do:

• Be authentic: Build genuine, respectful relationships with supervisors.
• Align personal and organisational goals: Find ways to connect your career objectives with your company's mission.
• Adopt an empathetic approach: Understand your manager's and supervisor's priorities and challenges.
• Communicate proactively: Share essential updates to your supervisors, even if it might not be “good” news, or what you think they want to hear
• Exude confidence: Trust in your abilities and demonstrate them effectively.
• Enhance tactical skills: Use managing up as an opportunity to grow professionally.

Don’ts of managing up

When managing up, avoid these common pitfalls:

• Over-relying on senior management: Solve problems independently whenever possible instead of escalating them unnecessarily.
• Succumbing to self-doubt: Fear of failure can lead to inaction, undermining your efforts.
• Telling managers only what they want to hear: Honesty and transparency are far more effective.
• Withholding negative information: Avoid hiding critical issues from your manager, as they may worsen over time.
• Overusing flattery: Focus on delivering value rather than excessive praise.

Employees can ease into managing up—and it doesn’t have to happen all at once. Think of it more as a strategy to prove management skills over time.

Managing up is a process with give and take. It will take time to establish trust with your superiors, but it will serve you well in the long run.

Immediate benefits of managing up

While managing up is often considered a long-term strategy, it offers immediate advantages that can positively impact your career and workplace environment: 

Managing up can:

Increase job security and satisfaction: Employees who successfully manage up are more likely to gain positive attention and recognition from their superiors, which is likely to increase their job security.

What’s more, positive recognition from senior management impacts employee well-being and tends to have a knock-on effect when it comes to employee morale—creating a win-win situation for employees and their managers.

Help you get promoted faster: Managing up is, in essence, about being in regular communication with your superiors and having a close working relationship.

When your supervisor knows exactly who you are and what you contribute to your organisation, you’re far more likely to find yourself in line for promotions when they arise.

Expand your skill set: Although there are challenges when it comes to learning how to manage up, it also presents a potent learning opportunity. Honing your upward management practice means you’ll also have the chance to grow your confidence, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Make a difference at your company: When you actively engage in managing up, you effectively take the reins and create meaningful impact from a grassroots level. You also contribute to a healthy workplace environment that bypasses the temptation for micromanagement.

This is particularly true for those who manage to align their personal goals with that of the overarching organisation, as the pursuit of individual achievements positively impacts the overall performance of the wider company.

Conclusion

Managing up is a powerful tool for career advancement. It empowers employees to build stronger relationships with their supervisors, enhance their skill sets, and contribute to a thriving workplace culture. If you’re ready to take your career to the next level, Redline’s recruiters can help. Specialising in the technology, electronics, and engineering sectors, we connect mid-level professionals with opportunities that allow them to excel—and manage up effectively.

Explore our job board today to discover exciting roles and submit your CV. Let us help you unlock your career’s full potential.