QUESTION: Managing Up?

In developing a relationship with the boss, it is important to manage his/her expectations and still be viewed as someone who can deliver.  What is your approach to manage up, so it is a win-win relationship for both parties?

It is very important to skillfully manage your boss' expectations and still be viewed as someone who can deliver. In fact, I like to think of managing expectations as part of delivering. And in order to successfully achieve both, communication is key.

1) Prioritize: If your boss throws an urgent project on your desk due end of week for example, I suggest you manage expectations by first gladly receiving the project. Then review with him/her what 15 other things are also due at the end of the week and ask which might fall to the following week.

2) Ask Good Questions: If your boss says "I need this right away, you might assume you have to work all night to deliver. If however you ask, "What does right away look like for you? You might get an answer like, "Certainly before month end.

3) What Does S/he Value?:  Having a discussion with your boss about what's important to him/her may help as well. No assuming. You could learn s/he has a tolerance for risk and no tolerance for not speaking your mind. This is just an example - the point is to ask- "What's most important to you?

Learn how your boss might best hear you. I call this skill the ability to "speak into someone's listening. This is a very important skill to develop if you want to be heard.

By learning to manage and deliver to your boss' expectations, you will be developing a strong and trusting relationship - one that is key to your professional success.

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