The Benefits of Managing Up

Written by Kendall Bergman

Many of us find ourselves feeling stuck, confused and uninspired in our jobs. The reasons for this vary, but often it is due to difficult and ineffectual supervisors. It’s been said that people don’t quit their jobs, they quit their managers. Raise your hand if you can relate!

For several years and at least as many bosses, I found myself second guessing decisions and trying to become a successful mind reader, all the while feeling a little crazy. At the time, I didn’t realize there was a solution for this unfortunate dilemma. Experts and researchers in organizational development and behavioral psychology began reporting on “Managing Up” over a decade ago. In its simplest definition, managing up is the way in which people manage the relationship with their direct supervisor. Once I discovered the language and supporting research, I realized I had firsthand experience and felt I could write my own paper on the subject.

I don’t know about you, but developing this “managing up muscle” can be challenging and sometimes exhausting. Throughout my career, I’ve had a few incredible bosses who have mentored and led me well. I’ve also had my fair share of bosses who led by fear and intimidation, expected their staff to be mind-readers and failed to effectively communicate the vision the organization was heading and my role in achieving that shared vision.

The surprising reality is that these less-than-ideal bosses offer a gift, or at the very least an opportunity to grow and expand. They invite us to discover and exercise the muscle that enables us to successfully manage up. By better understanding our supervisors, growing in self-awareness and moving from a defensive posture to one of curiosity, we will grow as human beings. The benefits spill over into all areas of life and the byproducts increase our leadership, relational, interactive and communication skills.

To be fair, I don’t believe little kids daydream about growing up to be overbearing managers. I do believe that as folks climb the professional ladder, receive more responsibility and are placed in positions to manage other people, they are not sufficiently and meaningfully trained to excel and build productive and healthy teams. And this lack of equipping creates leaders who inspire fear and frustration in their individual direct reports, rather than confidence, creativity and collaboration.

Sadly,  people reporting to mediocre or poor supervisors are left to fend for themselves. However, they are left with a couple of choices. They can allow frustration and dissatisfaction to intensify and eventually search for a new job…where it is likely the same problem will persist. Or they can become more aware of themselves, their bosses and their co-workers; and, intentionally learn and lean into the skill of managing up.

Harvard Business Review published an article in 2015 discussing the basics of successfully managing up. The article points out that all too often, well-meaning managers are over-extended, under-resourced and just plain exhausted from their daily work.

Would you like to learn more about and grow your “manage up muscle”? I’d enjoy the opportunity to speak with you and to potentially help you in this process.