A few tips on how to manage “up” the organization. I define the term, “Senior Manager”, as your manager’s manager or above. So when you are working on something that you know will go to your Senior Manager for a decision, here are a few things to remember:-
1. No Surprises- The bigger the request/decision/amount the more time you need to warn managers of what is coming and why. Shocks make managers nervous and like you are out of control. Don’t forget your senior manager also needs to manage-up.
2. Prepare, prepare, prepare – have all possible questions answered in advance. Don’t make it hard work for your senior manager. He/she doesn’t (a) know the topic area in as much detail as you (b) have as much time as you.
3. Don’t put your Senior Manager on your critical path – If you find yourself saying, “I am waiting on my manager to ……” it probably is a bad sign. Only you can take responsibility for getting him/her off your critical path.
