Crystal's Notes 21 June

Managing up is about paying attention to what helps your boss succeed. It means staying attuned to their priorities, anticipating what’s around the corner, and showing up in a way that builds trust.

1. Anticipate, don’t flatter
   Managing up at its core is about making your boss’s life easier. You can do this without being a sycophant. The cardinal rule is to anticipate what’s coming up for them. What meetings are on their calendar? What materials or prep will they need? Help them with it.

2. Focus on what actually matters to them
   The work you’re proudest of isn’t always what your boss values most at that moment. Stay close to shifting priorities and never assume anything.

3. No surprises, please
   Make sure your boss is never surprised and is always appraised of developing situations. But please don’t do this in a nervous or jittery way. No boss appreciates that kind of energy.

4. Escalate issues without stirring

   Link issues you’re bringing up to strategic objectives of the team or company. You can say something like: “The reason I am bringing this up is because it is impacting strategic priority X/ our culture/ creating friction in X.” As much as possible, substantiate what you say with data. If you cannot make any link to how the behaviour is impacting results, culture or ethics, consider why the stakeholders should care to know the information. 

5. Elevate them subtly
   You don’t need to flatter them to their faces. Instead, highlight their strengths to others. You can do this on LinkedIn, Glassdoor, in meetings, or when speaking with their stakeholders. When you elevate others authentically, it reflects well on you too.

The heart of managing up is in self-awareness. Pay attention to your energy, your words and how you make others feel. To navigate upwards effectively, be able to lead yourselves first, with clarity, calm and respect for your own values.

If this is the work you’re ready to deepen, join our Deep Human Club (virtual option available) where we build the emotional intelligence, communication skills, and executive presence you need to lead at every level.

Much love

Crystal