About seven years ago, I wrote a piece about managing up, and loaded it up with thoughts that hold up, and I want to lift out the best parts, since the original version was a bit too long.
1: Before seeking influence with your own manager, consider how safe you make it for your own reports to come to you.
2: Instead of being crafty and political, be clear and matter of fact, using Group Dynamic’s favorite tool, BSaAFWYW. Be specific and ask for just whatyou want from them. This is a better starting point than preparing a time-consuming case. That can come next.
3: Be careful about your feedback for them — build the relationship until you’re sure they are open to it.
When I take a moment to focus on these points, and consider what I’ve seen in workplaces lately, it definitely holds up.
Thanks for reading,
Alan Feirer