Managing up – What is it, and why does it matter?

Have you ever heard the term ‘managing up’ and wondered what it means?

Simply put, it’s about working well with your Manager to make both your job and their job easier. It’s not just about doing what you’re told—it’s about understanding what your direct Manager needs, what’s important to them, and finding ways to help them succeed.

Think of it this way, you are taking the initiative to keep your Manager in the loop (not over communicating through CCing them in everything); offering solutions instead of pointing out problems; and ensuring you are on the same page.

You have a proactive approach to your role, not reactive.

“It’s all well and good for you to say that, but I am working for someone who doesn’t get ‘it’.”

With managing up, we need to be the olive branch. This means we need to get (understand) them, our Manager, before there is any chance of them getting ‘it’. You might be missing something that helps them.

Who is it you are working for?

Before you start worrying about how to manage your boss, you need to know your Manager. Who is it that you’re actually working for? What is their personality type? What type of culture does your boss create?

Not what they talk about, but what they’re serious about enforcing? What do they set in terms of the tone, the pace and the standard?

You should get to know who you are working for, yourself. Don’t rely on the perception of others. Their views might shape your own, and in the long run impact your ability to ‘manage up’ – which we are getting to.

What is the Number 1 thing that will help you manage upwards?

In short, do your job.

Before you worry about managing up, you need to focus on what is in front of you – your job.

Regardless of your relationship with your boss, and the concept of managing up, start with demonstrating that you can deliver results. In the seniors living sector this means results for the business (KPIs) and your residents (satisfaction and net promoter scores).

Delivering value is the pre-requisite for a great relationship with your manager. If you produce exceptional results, you’ll be given a lot more room to move, and freedom to get on with the job. 

You understand your Manager, and you are delivering results. Now what?

Here are five tips for managing up:

1. Understand Their Priorities

Get to know what’s most important to your boss. What are their main goals or challenges right now? Have you ever asked what does success look like for them, in their role? The more you understand what they’re focused on, the easier it is to align your work with what matters most to them.

2. Communicate Proactively

Don’t wait for your boss to ask for updates—keep them in the loop, again without CCing them on every email you send. Whether it’s progress on a project, a potential roadblock, or a quick heads-up, sharing information shows you’re on top of things, and keeping them moving forward.

3. Offer Solutions, Not Just Problems

If you encounter an issue, come prepared with some ideas for fixing it. This shows initiative and helps your boss avoid getting bogged down in problem-solving.

4. Adapt to Their Style

Everyone has their preferred way of working. If your boss likes brief updates, keep things concise. If they prefer detailed reports, dive deeper. Adapting your approach makes communication smoother.

5. Stay Focused on the Big Picture

Always keep the broader goals in mind. How does your work contribute to the team’s or company’s success? Showing that you see the bigger picture makes your efforts more valuable to your boss.

And, finally…

Here’s a sixth tip for managing up:

6. Invest in Your Professional Development

The more you grow your skills and knowledge, the more valuable you become to your Manager, your team and your residents. Put yourself in situations where you are exposed to different ways of doing business (networking), find moments to improving your communication skills, or broaden your professional expertise. Your development helps you take on more responsibility, solve problems more effectively, and offer fresh insights. You help your Manager succeed, and through their success, will come your own.