Managing Up

Many men see their boss relationship as entirely one-directional: the boss manages them, and they simply respond. But the relationship goes both ways. How you manage upward affects your success, your opportunities, and your daily experience at work. You can't control who your boss is, but you can influence how the relationship works.

Managing up isn't manipulation or sucking up. It's understanding your boss's needs, style, and pressures and working in ways that serve both of you.

Understanding Your Boss

• What pressure are they under? Understanding their world helps you support them
• How do they prefer to communicate? Email, meetings, quick check-ins?
• What makes them look good? Help them succeed and you'll succeed
• What frustrates them? Avoid the triggers you can avoid
• What do they need from you? Clarity on this prevents misalignment

Your boss is not your enemy, even if they're difficult. They're human, under pressure, with their own strengths and weaknesses. The better you understand them, the better you can work with them, even when you disagree.

Managing Up Well

Keep them informed: No surprises. Especially bad ones.

Bring solutions: Don't just dump problems on their desk.

Deliver results: Nothing builds trust like consistent performance.

Understand priorities: Know what matters most to them.

Adapt your style: Work with their preferences, not against them.

Give feedback carefully: Timing and approach matter.

Your Action Steps

This week: Observe your boss. What are their preferences and pressures?

This month: Have a conversation about how you can better support their priorities.

This quarter: Build a reputation as someone who makes your boss's job easier.