How to Manage Up with Confidence and Clarity
Early on in my career when I was working at a public relations agency, I made a rookie mistake.
I waited about three days to tell my boss about a client issue, thinking I could solve it first. When I finally told him, he said, “I don’t need you to have all the answers—I need you to keep me in the loop.”
I was so relieved that I wasn’t in trouble—and even more relieved that I now had help fixing the situation.
It was a humbling moment that taught me an important truth: Leading isn’t just top-down—it’s also about managing up. Knowing how to communicate with your boss is a key leadership skill.
Ever since then, I’ve made it a priority to manage up—and I’ve learned a few things the hard way (so you don’t have to). Here are three simple tips that can make a big difference:
Anticipate needs: If your boss has to chase you down for a report, you’ve already lost points. Aim to have it ready before they ask.
Be proactive: Speak up before things blow up. Surprises are great for birthday parties—not so much for team meetings. Keep your boss in the loop with quick updates, even if nothing’s on fire.
Speak their language: Adapt your communication style to theirs. If they want bullet points, don’t give them a novel. If they love data, lead with numbers. It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about communicating in a way that gets heard, not lost in translation.
This week, consider what your leader needs to hear from you—and say it before they ask.