Master Upward Management
Liam Reilly
| 05-07-2025
· Lifestyle Team
Lykkers, have you ever worked hard on a project only to feel like your efforts went unnoticed? We’ve all been there. In today’s workplace, doing a good job isn't always enough.
To truly grow, we must learn how to manage upward—building strong, strategic relationships with our managers. It’s not about flattery; it’s about clarity, communication, and mutual success.
Understand What Our Manager Really Needs
The foundation of upward management is understanding our manager’s goals and pressures. What are they working toward? What success metrics are they being held accountable for?
Let’s take initiative and ask about their priorities. Schedule a one-on-one or bring it up casually. Are they focused on growth, cost control, innovation, or something else? When we align our tasks with what matters to them, we show that we’re on the same team—and that we’re thinking ahead.
Align Personal Goals with Team and Company Objectives
To become truly effective, we need to sync our personal goals with broader company goals. It’s not just about what we want to achieve, but how that fits into the big picture.
We should start by reading internal newsletters, strategy memos, or annual reports to understand our company’s direction. Then, work with our manager to set SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—that directly support the team’s mission.
Communicate Proactively and Clearly
Communication is the heartbeat of upward management. Don’t wait for our manager to ask for updates. Let’s send short summaries of what we’ve done, what we’re working on, and where we might need help.
And when we get feedback? Let’s listen actively and act quickly. Even a short message like, “Thanks for the suggestion—I’ll update the draft today,” can strengthen trust.
Be a Problem-Solver, Not Just a Reporter
Anyone can point out problems. What sets us apart is our ability to suggest solutions. When something goes wrong or looks risky, take a moment to think through possible fixes—then share those ideas with our manager.
They may not choose our plan, but they’ll appreciate our initiative and judgment. Over time, they’ll trust us with bigger challenges.
Match Their Style and Preferences
Every manager is different. Some love detailed emails. Others prefer quick chats. Some want data. Others value clear takeaways.
We should notice how they respond best and match our approach. If our updates are too long or too short, they may miss the point—or worse, tune out. Let’s also be respectful of their time. Book meetings thoughtfully, and be prepared.
Manage Expectations from the Start
To avoid misunderstandings, we must be clear on what’s expected—especially deadlines and quality standards. At the start of each project, confirm the scope and goals. Don’t assume anything.
If timelines slip or we hit obstacles, flag them early. Managers value honesty and problem-solving more than perfection.
Give Feedback Respectfully and Thoughtfully
Upward management isn’t just one-way. If something could work better, it’s okay to speak up—politely and constructively. Managers don’t always see things from the ground level, so our feedback can offer valuable insight.
The key? Timing and tone. Share our thoughts during check-ins or after a successful collaboration. Focus on the outcome, not the complaint.
Use the Right Tools to Stay Visible
With so many teams going digital, we can use smart tools to stay organized and visible:
- Slack, WeCom, and Feishu for daily updates
- Asana, Trello, and Jira for project tracking
- Worktile and DingTalk for planning and goal setting
These tools help us communicate clearly, stay aligned, and give our managers real-time visibility into our work.
Let’s Grow Upward—Together
Mastering upward management helps us grow from simply getting tasks done to becoming trusted partners at work. It deepens trust, boosts our visibility, and opens new doors for development.
So Lykkers, what small action will you take this week to move forward? You might schedule a quick one-on-one, fine-tune the way you communicate, or share a practical idea with your manager. Every step counts. Let’s keep moving upward—together, one step at a time.
Managing Up - What Does It Mean, And How Do You Do It???
Video by Chandler Bolt