The best thing you can do for your career... is learn how to manage your manager
It's obvious. It's simple. It's counterintuitive. And it's something we're never taught.
Your Boss Is Human
They have good intentions and blind spots. They're trying to do their job while figuring out how to manage people—often without any real training in leadership.
In a perfect world, your boss would be your ally, mentor, and leader. But when that's not the reality you're living in, you have a choice to make.
Whose responsibility is it for your growth? Yours.
Here's what most people don't realize: The real challenge isn't learning tactics or techniques. It's about how comfortable you are engaging with authority as a collaborative partner instead of waiting for direction.
Managing Up Isn't About Managing Your Boss
It's about managing yourself in relationship to your boss—how you show up, how you communicate, and how you take ownership of your part in making the relationship work.
Why This Feels So Hard
We're conditioned to believe that good work speaks for itself. That managers should just "know" how to bring out our best. That if we're competent, recognition will follow.
But competence without communication is invisible.
Your manager isn't a mind reader. They don't know what motivates you, how you prefer to receive feedback, or what support you need to do your best work. They're juggling their own pressures, deadlines, and maybe managing their boss.
Most professionals have considered quitting because of their manager.
Not because their managers are terrible people, but because no one ever taught either of you how to work together effectively.
What Changes When You Learn to Manage Up
Managing up isn’t about manipulation—it’s about collaboration. It means owning your half of the relationship instead of waiting for your manager to do all the work.
When you understand how your manager thinks and operates:
- You can frame your ideas in ways that resonate
- You can time your requests for maximum impact
- You can turn their quirks from obstacles into advantages
- You can get the support and recognition you need to thrive
This isn't about changing who you are. It's about taking ownership of how you show up.
Ready to Take Ownership?
Learn how your manager really works—and how to work with them.
The career skill they should have taught you years ago
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