Managing Up (HBR 20-Minute Manager Series)

Harvard Business School Press

Physical

In Circulation

Your boss plays an important role in your career. So how do you navigate this delicate, significant professional relationship without playing political games or compromising your character? Managing Up offers concise, expert tips on: Understanding your manager's priorities and pressuresSetting a positive tone for the relationshipManaging expectations--and egosEarning trust and respect Don't have much time?

Get up to speed fast on the most essential business skills with HBR's 20-Minute Manager series. Whether you need a crash course or a brief refresher, each book in the series is a concise, practical primer that will help you brush up on a key management topic. Advice you can quickly read and apply, for ambitious professionals and aspiring executives--from the most trusted source in business. Also available as an ebook.

What will you learn from this book

  1. Understanding Your Boss: To manage up effectively, it's crucial to understand your boss's preferences, working style, goals, and pressures. This understanding helps in aligning your actions and communication with their expectations.

  2. Open Communication: Establish clear and open lines of communication with your boss. Regularly provide updates on your work progress, seek feedback, and ask for clarification when needed. This helps in building a transparent and productive relationship.

  3. Aligning Goals: Ensure that your goals and priorities align with your boss's objectives and the broader goals of the organization. This alignment demonstrates your commitment to the team's success and makes it easier to get support for your initiatives.

  4. Adaptability and Flexibility: Be adaptable and flexible in your approach. Understand that your boss may have different working styles or preferences. Being adaptable shows your willingness to accommodate their needs.

  5. Solving Problems, Not Creating Them: Anticipate potential issues and come prepared with solutions. Avoid burdening your boss with problems without offering possible resolutions. This proactive approach demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills.

  6. Managing Expectations: Manage expectations by being realistic about what you can achieve and communicating any potential challenges or constraints in advance. It's important to set achievable goals to maintain trust and credibility.

  7. Building Trust: Build a trusting relationship with your boss by consistently delivering quality work, being reliable, and demonstrating integrity. Trust is fundamental to a successful working relationship.

  8. Seeking Feedback and Learning: Actively seek feedback from your boss to understand areas for improvement. Embrace opportunities for learning and development, and demonstrate a willingness to grow professionally.

  9. Advocating for Yourself: Don't hesitate to advocate for yourself when necessary. Make sure your achievements and contributions are recognized, and if needed, communicate your career aspirations and goals to your boss.

  10. Navigating Conflicts: Handle conflicts or disagreements diplomatically. Approach conflicts constructively by focusing on finding solutions that benefit both parties and the organization. Avoid confrontations that could harm your relationship with your boss.

Language English
ISBN-10 9781625270849
ISBN-13 9781625270849
No of pages 96
Font Size Medium
Book Publisher Harvard Business Review Press
Published Date 11 Mar 2014

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