Managing Upward Relationships - A Key Skill No Matter Your Job Role

 

What Is Meant by Managing Upwards?

Managing upwards refers to managing relationships with superiors in the workplace. It is a form of managing up, whereby an individual proactively manages their relationship with those who are above them in the hierarchy of work. The goal of managing upwards is to gain advantage from a superior's expertise and influence, allowing one to be more successful in their job role.

How to Manage Upwards

Managing upwards requires the individual to be proactive in managing their relationship with their superior. This involves being aware of how the superior views them and taking steps to ensure that they have a positive view. Being respectful and showing appreciation for the power of your superiors is paramount, as well as demonstrating knowledge and expertise in your own area of work.

It is important to be aware that managing upwards is a two-way street, and failing to show respect or understanding for the needs of your superior can result in a strained relationship. It is also important to remember that managing upwards does not mean brown-nosing, as this could backfire and cause difficulties.

What Are Examples of Managing Up?

Managing upwards can include actions such as seeking out advice from your superior, offering to help on projects, and attending meetings in which your superior is present. It also involves demonstrating a willingness to learn, listening carefully to criticism or suggestions and responding with appropriate comments. Taking initiative to try something new or suggesting new ideas to the team are also ways of managing up.

It is important to ensure that managing upwards does not come off as being self-serving, but instead demonstrate a willingness to help and learn from those in higher positions. This can be accomplished by offering praise where appropriate and taking responsibility for any mistakes which may have been made.

How Can I Improve My Upward Management?

Improving managing upwards requires the individual to be aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, and how these can affect their relationship with their superior. Building self-awareness is key in managing up, as it allows for an understanding of one’s own capabilities and how best to use them to further the relationship.

It is also important to remember that managing upwards does not involve trying to change a superior but rather managing how one presents themselves and their work in order to create a more positive relationship. It is important to maintain a professional attitude and be open to feedback from superiors. Building trust with your superior can take time, so it is important to be patient and consistent in managing upwards.

Benefits of Managing Up

Managing up can have several advantages, such as gaining a better understanding of how work is done within the organization, gaining an appreciation for one’s supervisor’s perspective, and building successful collaborations with those in higher positions. In addition, managing up can increase one’s own job security and lead to promotions in the future. It also provides an individual with the opportunity to develop their own skills, as well as understanding how to better interact with those in higher positions.

How Do You Handle Upward Management?

When managing upwards, it is important to remember that the goal is not to change or manipulate a superior but rather to develop a positive relationship. This involves being respectful and professional at all times, as well as demonstrating self-awareness and offering solutions which can benefit both parties. Taking initiative and showing appreciation for feedback are also essential in managing upwards. Developing strong managing upwards skills will help to build a successful relationship with superiors and can increase an individual’s job security in the future.

What Managing Up Can Add to Your Workplace

Managing up involves more than just managing the relationship between an individual and their superior. It is also about managing relationships across the entire workplace, fostering collaboration, and creating an environment of respect and trust. Managing up can help to create a positive work culture which allows for innovation, creativity, and improved job satisfaction. This can then lead to increased productivity and better business outcomes.

Therefore managing up is an important skill which can have a positive impact on one’s career, as well as the workplace at large. It involves developing self-awareness and understanding how to effectively manage relationships with those in higher positions. Taking initiative, showing appreciation for feedback, and maintaining a professional attitude are essential elements of managing up. Doing so can help to build successful collaborations and increase job satisfaction for all involved.

Authenticity and Managing Up

Authenticity is an important factor to consider when managing upwards. It can be tempting to try and conform to what a superior may want or expect, but it is essential to maintain one’s own unique voice and perspective. This helps to ensure that conversations remain productive and meaningful, as authenticity allows for constructive dialogue which can lead to positive outcomes.

Managing upwards can be challenging, but with dedication and the right skills it can have a positive impact on one’s career and the workplace as a whole. Understanding how to effectively manage relationships with those in higher positions is essential for managing up, as is taking initiative and showing appreciation for feedback. Authenticity should also be taken into consideration when managing up, as this allows for meaningful conversations which can lead to positive outcomes. By managing upwards, an individual can create a more successful workplace and increase job satisfaction for everyone involved.

Key Takeaways:

  • Managing upwards involves seeking advice, taking initiative and responding to criticism professionally.

  • It is important to build self-awareness to understand one’s own strengths and weaknesses in managing up.

  • Benefits of managing up include increased job security, better understanding of how the organization works, developing skills and building successful collaborations with those in higher positions.

  • Upwards management is important for individuals at all levels as it helps to foster a productive work environment and strengthen relationships between supervisors and their subordinates.

  • By managing upwards successfully, an individual can make strides towards a successful career and achieve greater career success.

  • Managing upwards requires patience, consistency and professional behavior.

  • By understanding managing upwards and applying the principles involved, individuals can maximize their potential for career success and create a strong relationship with their supervisors. Developing good managing upwards skills is a key component of any successful career.

Do you want more personalized help with managing up or your leadership toolkit in general?  Don’t hesitate to reach out here.

Interested in Learning More About Managing Up?

Here are some additional resources for managing up that you might find helpful.  Please Google the titles below.

  • Why Managing Up is a Skill Set You Need – Forbes

  • What Everyone Should Know About Managing Up – Harvard Business Review

  • What Does It Mean to Manage Up? – Tiny Pulse