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Executive Development: ‘Managing up’ can give your career a lift
By Wayne Outlaw
Most people think of managing as directing those below you on the organization chart. To achieve true success as an executive, you must develop your ability to manage up. You must manage the relationship with those above you who have a vested interest in seeing you succeed.
The manager and boss relationship is one of mutual dependence and is critical to the success of both the superior and the subordinate. A boss needs the cooperation, candor and honesty from those who report to him or her. The manager must rely on his or her boss for making connections with the rest of the company, for setting priorities and obtaining critical resources. If the relationship between you and your boss is difficult or rocky, it is your responsibility to create and manage it.
We must realize that the relationship between an executive and his or her superior is the responsibility of the subordinate. While it would be nice to expect the superior to always consider your needs, and even take an active part in your development, you must build the relationship. Every day individuals running operating groups and companies are confronted by stress and pressure, both in and out of the organization. By understanding the pressure that your boss is under, the priorities that he or she has and his or her strengths and weaknesses, you can be supportive, and you can also help the person be successful.
The availability of resources, the support you need and your ability to get your job done today depends on approval and support of your superior. Your future success in your organization including promotions, and longevity, is, directly related to your boss.
The best way to be supportive of your boss and pro-active about what you need to do is to simply ask what is needed. Take the initiative to sit down with your boss and learn his or her situation and what is needed for success. Ask questions such as “so I can better support you and the organization, what are the things that I need to know?” “What are your priorities that I need to ensure we support?” By taking the time to ask these questions and being open to suggestions, you can be very supportive of your boss.
It isn’t enough to simply say we have a problem. We must help resolve it. While working in sales training and development at Xerox’s headquarters, I had a boss who said, “Don’t bring me a problem. Bring me the solution.” The “completed staff work” meant that he didn’t want you to just identify a problem only. When I brought a problem, I had to have done everything to solve it and, if unsolved, be able to fully informed him of the situation.
He wanted to know: 1) What is the problem? 2) What is the scope or ramification to the problem? 3) If the problem is not resolved, what will occur? 4) What are the potential solutions of the problem? 5) What is the cost, possibility of success and risk for each potential solution? and 6) Most importantly, what do you recommend?
Doing your job fully and anticipating needs are key elements in managing up and building a relationship of interdependence.
Another key factor in building and maintaining an excellent relationship with a boss is to keep him or her fully and accurately informed. A good rule of thumb is to be sure your boss is never surprised and gets caught off guard by something that you have not communicated.
In addition to being open, candid and honest with your boss, it is important to demonstrate loyalty. While loyalty has its limits, it is important to support the initiatives of your boss.
If you can’t, communicate that directly, and only, to your boss. If your boss knows that you can be relied on to be candid, honest and supportive, you will build trust and confidence.
While you may spend a great deal of your time developing your executive ability to delegate, manage, lead and produce results through subordinates, it is important not to ignore other dimensions of managing. Your supervisor has a tremendous effect on your career. Take time to build a productive and successful relationship with your boss. It pays!
Executive Actions:
• Understand your boss’
priorities, objectives, and stresses.
• Ask what is expected of
you and your group.
• Explain the resources and authority you need to perform.
• Keep the boss fully and accurately informed.
• Demonstrate loyalty and commitment to boss and company.
• Be trustworthy and keep confidences.
• Invest the time to develop
a relationship of value with your boss.
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