How to Manage Up Without Being a Boot-Licker

Agenda Why do this? Figure out what your boss cares about Create and Manage two-way expectations Ask for Feedback Adjust Your Style 3 Things www.wilymanager.com

Why do this? Your boss is probably your most important stakeholder Problems often arise from style-differences that are easily managed It’s costly in time, effort and credibility if you get it wrong www.wilymanager.com

What does your boss care about? Ask to see your boss’s goals and ask about his/her top priorities Link them to your own Set up a recurring meeting if one is not currently in place. Assess your boss’s world-view www.wilymanager.com

Create and Manage Two-way Expectations Know what is expected of you – preferably in writing Communicate what your expectations of your boss are Ask your boss about his/her style Never surprise your boss Make your boss look like a star www.wilymanager.com

Ask for Feedback Actively seek out feedback from your boss and others Listen and act on feedback you get Give feedback generously to your boss and others www.wilymanager.com

Adjust Your Style You can only control your own behaviour You are accountable for your relationship with your boss Communicate in a way that is most meaningful to your boss Media Level of detail Frequency Look to complement how your boss operates www.wilymanager.com

3 Things Do this… don’t undervalue it If you end up in a battle with your boss, you will lose Focus on your own behaviours and action www.wilymanager.com