You and your manager don't need to work the same way.
You do need to work well together.
Done well, managing up makes both of you more effective.
For me, that comes down to 5 things:
1. Know what matters
Understand their priorities, goals, and what's keeping them up at night.
It's hard to support someone well if you only understand your own priorities.
2. Be proactive
Share updates before they have to ask.
Keep them short:
- What changed
- What's on track
- What's at risk
- What you need from them
3. Bring your thinking with the problem
You won't always have the answer.
But try to bring:
- The issue
- The options
- Your recommendation
That shows ownership and judgment.
4. No surprises
Any problem is easier to solve when there's still time to act.
Don't wait until you have the perfect solution before flagging a meaningful risk or issue.
5. Learn how they like to work
Some managers want detail.
Others want the headline.
Some prefer written updates.
Others think better through conversation.
Adapt wherever you can.
Managing up isn't about getting your manager to notice you more.
It's about giving them more reasons to trust you.
And when trust grows, so does autonomy, responsibility, and opportunity.
What's one thing that helps you work better with your manager?
