Manage Up
How to make your and your supervisor’s job easier.
15 minutes to complete
Why You Should Manage Up
The captain relies on people reporting up to keep the ship safe.
Your supervisor is probably always busy. Help them make YOUR job easier. That means stepping up to the plate - communicating (hint: refer to communication styles) and doing things that aren't explicitly expected of you but make you your own leader.
Every day, try to practice at least one of these tips:
- Deliver on what you say you would or what your manager needs you to.
- Ask what your manager wants from you i.e. goal, expectations.
- Ask for feedback until you’re confident in your work.
- Ask your manager about their work, what needs to be done, and how you can help.
- Bring solutions rather than just problems.
- Learn how your manager prefers to communicate i.e. hands-off vs. micro-manage, face-to-face vs. email, frequency of updates, 1:1 vs. impromptu meetings.
- Be honest through regular communications rather than giving space to surprises.
- Get to know your manager beyond the surface level.
- Give your manager positive feedback on their work too!
- Don’t complain about your manager to other teammates.