Learning how to manage up — or influence up — is a valuable skill that can help you throughout your career. When you know how to communicate your message effectively and keep it moving at all levels, you can benefit yourself, your boss and your team.
Suzi McAlpine, an award-winning blogger and executive coach, says influencing up isn’t about kissing up or playing office politics — it’s about effectively outlining your ideas and getting them heard by those in leadership roles.
It’s a skill that can make or break managers, she says, so it’s worth learning how to do it well. In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we outline McAlpine’s five ways you can influence up.
1. Look at things from your boss’ perspective. You believe in your idea, but for your boss to buy into it, put yourself in their shoes. If you were them, what would you perceive as the risks and benefits of your idea? McAlpine says that before you start selling your idea as a sure win, forget for a moment about yourself and look at it from the other side.
2. Communicate in their preferred way, not yours. When managing up, always think about how your boss likes to receive information. Do they appreciate brevity? Cut to the chase. Do they want to see options? Give them bullet points. If your boss wants to take time reviewing the research and process, McAlpine says, don’t rush them. Know your boss’ communication style and adopt their style when communicating your ideas.
3. Consider who they listen to. McAlpine says you’ve probably seen whoever it is that you’re trying to influence be influenced successfully by others. Taking out sexism, misogyny and racism at play (which is another battle altogether), you have probably seen them listen effectively to others. Think about who your boss considers reliable and trustworthy and leverage this information to present your ideas.
4. Explain the risks of inaction. When managing up, think about the risks of doing nothing — but from your boss’ perspective. McAlpine says maybe the house is burning and you’re the one who acts as the smoke alarm. Maybe the risks are more long-term but just as serious. Present any data, research and statistics that can help you convey your point.
5. Focus on what you can control. Even when you put forth your best effort, your idea may not be taken seriously. When this happens, McAlpine suggests focusing on what you can control — your own behavior and approach. Reflect on your planning and how you responded and learn from it for the next time.
Managing up can lead to many benefits. In the short term, it can help make day-to-day work easier because you and your boss are on the same page. And in the long term, it can help you achieve more control and ownership in your work.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Suzi McAlpine is an award-winning blogger of The Leader’s Digest. She’s also an executive coach and leadership development specialist.