Managing Up

No matter what your current rung on the ladder of success, there's a whole lot of managing going on, in both directions. Early in our careers we get the message that everything worth doing is going to get done by working hard, working long, and working to deadline. But the contemporary work environment is more service-oriented than ever before, and more than ever before, how you get ahead will depend upon how you get along with others. That is, the future of your career will depend less on what you produce and more on understanding and assimilating the thought processes of those above you in the company hierarchy.

Relationships fuel every day transactions. The alliances you develop throughout your firm -- not just with your immediate superiors -- will empower you as you navigate the political shoals of any successful career. But your most powerful and influential ally will always be your boss. By understanding your boss’ style and point of view, and integrating them with your own, you signal to him/her that you’re ready to advance. You'll come across as someone who has not only the awareness to understand and share your boss' objectives but also the ability to strategize beyond your current position.

This is the process of Managing Up.

Here are some questions you can use to assess your boss' priorities and prepare you to move up:

What details does your boss pay attention to first and foremost?

What is expected of people in the positions you'd like to move into?

What questions do they ask of their direct reports, and why do they ask them?

What are their leadership styles? How do they make decisions?

By which methods do they prefer to communicate (email, phone, in-person, etc.)?

How does your boss' management style differ from yours? And what elements of his or her style can you incorporate into your own?

The real test of your readiness to advance will be your ability to manage up -- to perceive your boss' needs and adapt to them. Remember, it is your job to develop a relationship with your boss -- not the other way around. When you manage up, it'll be your boss taking notice, as you demonstrate your ability to function at a higher level-- The "boss" level.