Managing Up

Breakout 1

Follow-up: Questions for greater information. And what else, tell me more. How did they get there?
Listen & Label: What is the emotion/sentiment behind what is said?
Acknowledge/Agree: What about what they say can you validate?
Summarize: How do you understand their message? Use their words to explore.
Help: Invite them to problem solve. “Help me to help you.”

Am I aware of my manager’s expectations for me? Are they realistic?
Is my manager aware of what resources I need to meet those expectations?
How much does my boss know about what I’ve been doing for the past few months? If she doesn’t know enough, how can I correct that?
Am I reliably meeting my commitments? If not, how can I rectify shortcomings?
How well do my manager and I get along on a daily basis? Do we need to address any conflicts?
Do our oral and written interactions occur with ease? If not, how can I make our communications more seamless?
Do we trust each other? What can I do to increase the level of trust?
What could I do to support my manager more effectively?

Work-style:
- Do they prefer formal/informal information delivery?
- Written or spoken?
- Hands on or hands off management?
- How do they deal with conflict?
Worldview:
- What do you have in common with your manager? Personally/professionally?
- What were they hired to do? What are their KPIs? How can you best help them shine?
- Who are their stakeholders?
- Can you identify your boss’s strengths?

Collaborate. Overcome differences between you and others so you work together effectively—even if you don’t like each other.
Lead initiatives. Don’t be reluctant to associate yourself with unproven ideas, especially those that cross functional or unit boundaries.
Stay current. Regularly read and watch the news. What happens in the world affects what happens with your team, your marketplace, and your competition.
Drive your own growth. Seek perpetual education and development—not necessarily by going to school but by finding exposure to new people and ideas.
Be a player for all seasons. Demonstrate positive behaviors even during hard times.
What else?

The partner presents the challenge and request for help. 2-3 min.
The consultants ask the client clarifying questions. 3 min.
The partner turns his or her back to the consultants and gets ready to take notes
The consultants ask questions and offer advice, and recommendations, working as a team, while the client has his or her back turned. 6 min.
The partner provides feedback to the consultants: what was useful and what he or she takes away. 2 min.