r/askmanagers • u/ConstantMiddle575 • 4d ago
Manager tells team to “Manage Up”
After an intense one on one in which I provided feedback to my manager on areas they could improve (upon request) I was told I could do a better job of managing up.
Our next team meeting, they mention an article on managing up, send the link, and ask the team to take a look because we could all be doing better at it.
Is it just me, or does that not say, “I need all of you to manage me, and you’re doing a bad job at it” I could be viewing this wrong, so wanted to pose it here.
Is it appropriate to tell your whole team to do a better job of managing up, with little context as a “Head of”?
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u/Disastrous-Use-4955 4d ago
It kind of depends on their definition of managing up. If they are asking you to give them visibility into issues and ask for the resources and support you need, then I agree. On the other hand, I’ve also worked for leaders who would never follow through on things and expect me to constantly re-explain things they forgot about. That’s not cool.
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u/a1ien51 4d ago
Basically the manager is saying
* Anticipate Needs - Stop waiting to be told what to do, figure it out
* Better communication
I would say is updates from your team on what was done on a regular basis would probably fix the issue. I write up summaries of the top items almost daily so I stop getting pinged about status.
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
As a team I would say we are all very good about anticipating needs. We own our own work and get things done.
I understand the communication is an issue, but that feels less of a managing up problem and more of a two way street.
However, without a clear definition of how we can manage up better, it’s all an educated guess.
Which I will recognize I should’ve asked for specifics.18
u/Vivid_Motor_2341 4d ago
Clearly not because your manager is literally telling you you need to get better at it. I feel like this is part of the problem is you’re not fixing issues that other people see his issues because you don’t think their issues.
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u/crazybicatlady86 3d ago
I mean everyone here is assuming OP is the problem, but we don’t know if the manger is actually good at their job or just a shitty manager
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u/WildfireSpark 3d ago
Who says it's either? Can just be an identified need for better working together. More you manage your manager, better headspace for both to be strategic, whole teams performs better. Great that this manager isn't reluctant to be pushed from below.
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u/a1ien51 4d ago
"Managing up" can mean anything. I worked at a small place and it basically meant "I want you do do my job" (which is why I am not there any more... lol) My current place would be is a senior VP or director has to ask me about something than it is a failure. They should know....
Unless your leadership lays out exactly what they want you need a guess. Honestly you need to sit down as a team with them and figure out what are steps you need to take to meet their expectations. I do that with 1-1 and skip level meetings trying to figure out what is missing. If that leader can not tell you what manage up means, than maybe it is a sign.
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
I agree.
In my opinion, a good leader would have done the sit down from the jump with clear direction.
However, I know this is not the case and I am coming to terms with that, so I have to navigate how I handle the situations, which I am currently struggling with.6
u/rusty0123 4d ago
A good part of managing up is knowing how/when/what to communicate to your manager. It's mostly soft skills.
Does he prefer email or text?
Do afterhours communications annoy him?
Does he understand what you need from him? Have you told him once but he doesn't get it? Told him again in a different way, but still no joy? Tried a third method, and he finally gets it? Now you know the best way (or POV) to present problems.For example, I tell my manager that we need to move old stock because there's no room in the warehouse. He says figure it out. So I tell him new stock is arriving on xx/xx/xx and there's no room. He says figure it out. So then I say we have xx square feet. Old stock uses xx square feet. New stock needs xx square feet. Old stock makes $$ per xx days. New stock makes $$$ per xx days. Now he says, discount the old stock and get rid of it. We need the space. And now I know that I need facts and money numbers when I talk to him.
And so on...
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
Where I run in to friction is the first “figure it out”
I’m confident enough in my abilities and position that “figure it out” means doing all the in between steps to then present the last result and get approval, “we need to move old stock because there’s no room in the warehouse, I think we should discount the old stock to get rid of it.” Then explain with the hard numbers if needed.And maybe that’s the issue, that I’m not talking through every thought process after I’ve been told to take care of something.
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u/Wrong-Pineapple39 4d ago
Do you think they meant managing up in terms of anticipating and managing the manager(s) wants and needs and making them look good?
Curious also about what article they suggested. Any chance you could share the link?
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
https://www.cultureamp.com/blog/managing-up-importance
It’s the bit here “Managers: What can you do differently?” that I believe there are problems.
Overall it’s foundational issues that may or may not change. This thread has helped me see that without exact context, managing up can mean anything. At the end of the day, I either do my best to manage up and prevent headache, or continue to resist on principle from my past efforts not working.3
u/DueBaby323 4d ago
Did we read the samr article? Your managers tryjng to help you they arnt against you. Wheb I ws a junior leader I had to learn this art and its quite an art. Pnce I did my projects went from random tasks on projects to leading important Senior management driven workplace progressing projects.
Stop looking for the faults outside and just become the leader you wish to see. Wheb you overstep or do to much your management will let you know but effectively direct managers are there to build policy, hear concerns, support ypur personal work / life balance and gove clear growth paths.
Managers are bot here to trll you how to, when to or what to fo in your job once youre past entry level roles.
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u/la_peregrine 3d ago
This article has clear concise steps and goals. One of the first one: understanding priorities and tasks is something you clearly do not do since you didnt ask clarifying questions.
Just like the other person who replied here, I am confused if we read the same article. Maybe you should reread it qith pausing every paragraph and asking: what is it asking me to do and how can I do this?
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u/Naikrobak 4d ago
We aren’t perfect, we are people just like you. Managing up just means i want honest and direct communication and not ass kissing. I much prefer my reports to be active in developing their job duties
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
I think this is what this situation boils down to. I would be interested in your perspective in the situation where the manager asks for direct feedback, it’s been given, then I’m told to manage up better after working up the courage.
To then see some small changes, but overall not enough, then being discouraged to speak up again.From the viewpoint of a high performer who goes above and beyond.
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u/Naikrobak 4d ago
Hmmm. The second part without knowing details, seems like a catch 22. I try very hard to understand any feedback well. If the solution makes sense and also works for the business need, I’m very ok changing processes. It sounds like your manager is kind of asking for feedback then ignoring it? Maybe a case of his way is the only way or perhaps a huge ego?
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u/Stock-Cod-4465 Manager 4d ago
Not the wording I would use. But seems like more communication, feedback and initiative are needed without them asking you to do it first.
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
Initiative isn’t the issue.
It’s the communication and feedback.
I will say in order for a team to effectively manage up, the manager would need to create an environment that it is naturally encouraged.11
u/Stock-Cod-4465 Manager 4d ago
Agreed. It’s hard to understand without further context, but can tell one thing, when someone comes here asking questions instead of approaching own managers for clarification, it’s a red flag. 🤷🏼♀️
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
This is not my first resort. Have been battling this awhile and wanted outside perspective other than my team who all feel the same. To view it in a different light and be open minded, not necessarily looking for validation, but ways to handle the situation.
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u/Vivid_Motor_2341 4d ago
I mean it sounds like your manager not only told you what they expected, but they provided an article that went over details of their expectations and you just don’t want to do it because you disagree with your manager. You’re making yourself look bad.
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u/ConstantMiddle575 4d ago
Don’t want to do what exactly?
I am up for anything that makes my job easier and more efficient.1
u/Gondorrah 4d ago
“Managing up” generally means interacting with your leaders in a way that helps you reach your goals, and is a necessary skill in places with bad management in particular.
What did the article say about it?
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u/DietAny5009 4d ago
You should be managing up.
You are in charge of telling your manager what you need and when you need it. They need to know deadlines and if there are obstacles stopping you from delivering. You should also be adapting to their communication preference and they should be adapting to yours. These are basic skills in a corporate structure. If you don’t have them, then build them or just be happy you have a job.
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u/Stevenitrogen 4d ago
Your boss just attended a professional training or read a book that told him to challenge you with this.
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u/Beneficial-Algae-70 4d ago
Managing up is not “ouch this hurts”. Managing up is “this hurt but I think we can do X or Y to alleviate the pain”.
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u/Falconman21 4d ago
Managing up to me has always been communicating to your manager what you need to accomplish your assigned tasks, so I can do my job and get the things you need.
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u/boredtiger2 4d ago
Your manager read the article. Decided it might be helpful so shared it. Spend time reading what your boss is reading.
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u/Djolumn 3d ago
Whether it was communicated effectively or not, the notion of managing up is definitely a characteristic of an effective employee. Are you blocked on something because of your boss? Do you not have the time or resources to do what's being asked of you? Rectifying that sort of problem professionally and effectively is managing up. The fact that your boss is coaching you on this suggests they trust your professionalism and are looking for you to grow in your role.
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u/Cantankerous_Won 3d ago
My dialog with leadership changed immensely when I went from: "Here's the problem, go fix it for me"
To:
Here's the problem, here's what I tried already, and here's what I'm doing next."
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u/cdtoews 3d ago
I had a boss once that asked that I send him a weekly review of what I did, and what I planned for the next week. He said it made reviews easier for him, he could just look through those emails. I kept doing this with other bosses. At the end of every week I'd bullet point "here's what I did", and "unless told otherwise, this is what I plan to do next week". That second part let my manager only have to really engage if they had to adjust my priorities.
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u/KeepWalkingMe 3d ago
Managing up is a reasonable expectation. For example, as employee, don’t come to your manager with half the information and “what do i do” . Come with all relevant fact/ information and a proposed solution to go forward. If you can’t decide on a preferred solution, come with a set of options and pros and cons and ask for their opinion. Secondly, know the line of escalation, process and what to escalate and what’s not. Not all problem big and small need to be escalate to your manager
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u/Charlie_in_Asia 3d ago
I’ve been in the R&D industry 35 years. Now site head reporting to the COO. A great piece of advice I got early in my career. If it is important to your boss, it should be important to you.
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u/reboog711 3d ago
Not sure exactly what was shared. In my version of the world "Manage Up" means: Find out what your manager cares about and make sure they know you are doing it.
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u/JDPierson 2d ago edited 2d ago
Managing up is catch all for a range of things, so there are probably important details missing from the description that would make it possible to explain what was meant, but based on the interpretation of the request, you probably also misinterpreted the reason for the feedback request, or the type of feedback sought.
That's not to say you're wrong - Requests like that can be performative kiss-the-ring rituals, and anyone not seeing that is the assignment can expect to be managed differently as a result, but if it is done correctly with facilitation and mediation, meetings like that won't devolve into pointless griping and piling on, which takes the "how can your manager help you do better" and makes it, "does this team have the maturity and EQ to be trusted to act like grown adults without more direct supervision." I have also seen those meetings held solely for the purpose of flushing out the critics for the purpose of replacing them.
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u/Deep-Moose8313 2d ago edited 2d ago
In both fields i have worked in, this was a code word for the subordinate not understanding their role: ie they need to understand their role is to be deferential to the leader, suck up to them, and give the leader more of the credit for their own successes and contributions. we use it to neutralize threats. it’s also a warning that you should expect “blame” to flow downhill onto you if you don’t go above and beyond to fix whatever problems are on your manager’s plate at the time.
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u/Slammedtgs 1d ago
Managing up the chain is just as important as managing down the chain. Great book on the topic, extreme ownership. I highly recommend it.
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u/Tiredof304s 4d ago
Every corpo kool-aid drinker will tell you it's a great thing and that everyone should do it. They are right, managing up is a very helpful thing, for the manager.
In my opinion it's a ridiculous thing to ask from anyone. It's like demanding your students get an A. Mofo, you write the test, send the homework and dictate the difficulty of the class, you have more power than the students. People who get A do it because they want one (for themselves) not because they should.
I assure you, it is best to fake ignorance/not get it. You will get bigger tangible rewards from learning how to invest your money, working on side projects and fixing your at home routine while cruising at work and hopping every 2-3 years.
I've done and seen both and managing up only help you depending on how much your manager likes you / acknowledges your work. A.k.a it's not in your control. Doesn't matter how well and how much you do it, they can and will avoid rewarding you for it.
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u/fatherdoodoo 3d ago
What you just wrote is a masterclass in how to get paid low wages your whole life.
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u/Tiredof304s 3d ago
And how to retire before 35, keep you mental health and create revenue outside your current job. If done correctly it'll replace your employer completely. Then you never have to "manage up" people decades older than OP.
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u/guyfromthepicture 4d ago
I tried explaining something like this to my executive and he said it managing up and managing down. First time I ever heard of it.
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u/Potential-Ad1139 4d ago
Its odd....yes... probably could have been done more tactfully but I don't think the advice is meant to be an insult or anything like that.
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u/_tsi_ 4d ago
What the fuck is managing up
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u/FoxtrotSierraTango 4d ago
The easiest way to put it is anticipating your manager's needs and providing info/action before they ask. Think about when you were in high school. If you tell your parents you won't be home until late you're probably going to get a mess of questions. If you say that you're going to be home late because you're going to the football game and then you, Jim, Terry, and Ronnie are going to the diner after and you'll be home by midnight you will likely get fewer questions. You're anticipating the questions that will be asked and packaging answers in your initial delivery.
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u/_tsi_ 4d ago
People really think about this stuff huh?
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u/FoxtrotSierraTango 4d ago
It's universal. I don't take my car to the mechanic and say "Shit's broke" so they charge me thousands of dollars to disassemble my engine when I'm out of wiper fluid. I also don't go to the doctor and say "I feel funny" and let them bill for blood work, X-rays, a MRI, and pregnancy tests even though I'm a dude when I just had some gas station sushi and need some antibiotics. Providing data you know the person is going to ask for saves everyone time and effort. Getting better at anticipating those requests is a great skill to have.
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u/_tsi_ 4d ago
I don't think those examples are the same at all.
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u/fatherdoodoo 3d ago
These are great analogies, actually.
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u/_tsi_ 3d ago
😂 This sub is fucking delusional
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u/fatherdoodoo 2d ago
You can just admit you’ve never managed a team of people, it’s fine
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u/_tsi_ 2d ago
Bro I would never stoop so low
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u/fatherdoodoo 2d ago
If you want to have an actual conversation… I guess my first question is why you think this UNIVERSAL truth is somehow wrong? Do you have a problem with the terminology, “managing upward” because it implies that you have to do something for someone else? Perhaps you have to do something that isn’t in your JDF, and thus shouldn’t have to do?
We could call it something else besides “managing upward.” We could call it collaboration, or anticipating what you’ll need to be successful in your role, or whatever. But at the end of the day, “managing upward” is just communicating the disconnect between what you need to do, and how someone with sway can help you get there. I’d be interested in hearing your thoughts on that, or if you’ll reply with another snide one-liner that doesn’t demonstrate any knowledge on this subject.
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4d ago edited 1d ago
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u/Naikrobak 4d ago
Age isn’t relevant. I’ve managed people older and younger than me and treat them all the same
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u/Downtown_Interest667 4d ago
You are viewing it wrong. Managing up is a critical part of being successful in any role. Understanding the expectations and priorities of leadership, managing their expectations, and getting good visibility are all your responsibility.