1. How to Manage Up Without Being a Boot-Licker

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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