Last updated on Jul 29, 2024

Here's how you can effectively manage up and keep your boss updated on your progress.

Managing up is a crucial skill in service operations, requiring you to effectively communicate and align your work with your boss's expectations. It's about understanding their needs and ensuring they are informed about your progress. This involves strategic communication, proactive updates, and efficient problem-solving. By mastering these techniques, you can build a strong relationship with your boss, foster trust, and create a positive impact on your career trajectory.

1 Set Expectations

Right from the outset, it's vital to establish clear expectations with your boss regarding communication and updates. This includes agreeing on the frequency and format of progress reports, as well as the level of detail required. By setting these expectations early on, you create a mutual understanding that can streamline future interactions. This proactive approach can prevent misunderstandings and ensure that both you and your boss are on the same page regarding your tasks and objectives.

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C. Neil Davenport

Screenwriter
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Email them monthly, or weekly (which ever works for their schedule [given their permission]) regarding your current status and keep it brief - not a novel.

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Group Captain B Mathews(Retd)

Defence Procurement Consultant
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The age old adage’ Action speaks louder than words’ fits very well here. Your positive actions that contribute to the progress of the company will definitely be noted. Notwithstanding, regular feedback either by mail( which rarely is read if in detail). If on an important mission where a higher echelon is involved, then a daily phone call in the evening at a preset time will keep you ticking

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2 Regular Updates

Consistency is key when informing your boss about your progress. Schedule regular updates, whether they be weekly or bi-weekly, to keep them in the loop. This doesn't always have to be a formal report; sometimes a quick email summary or a brief meeting can suffice. The important part is that your boss is aware of what you're working on, your achievements, and any challenges you might be facing. Regular updates also provide an opportunity for feedback, allowing you to adjust your approach as necessary.

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Siddharth Palaniyandi

Wells Fargo:MBA~TSM-21~23:B.Com~RKMVC-18~21
(edited)
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It is better to keep your bosses posted, rather than them reaching out to you , go and give them one on one regular update and be clear on the updates you provide, FYI., This should be before your status calls, Any change in the status of the jobs in pipe, notate it too, this improves visibility amongst leadership and image management.

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Group Captain B Mathews(Retd)

Defence Procurement Consultant
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Never allow any direct solicitation from the boss to go without feedback. Every requirement may not possibly result in a positive outcome. In such cases , be ready with an alternative proposition. Boss may agree to or may not. But ensure that all calls are attended to

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3 Be Proactive

Don't wait for your boss to ask for an update; take the initiative to share information. If you encounter a problem, communicate it promptly along with potential solutions. Being proactive shows that you're in control of your work and that you're committed to resolving issues before they escalate. This builds trust and demonstrates your competence, making it more likely that your boss will have confidence in your ability to manage your responsibilities effectively.

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Gordon Rogers
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One thing I had to learn in my career was to make a point of talking to my boss. I used to not want to bother him because: Hey! He's the boss! Consequently, he didn't know what I was doing or working on. Make it a habit to check in every day. Maybe at the end of the day, just drop in his office to talk. Doesn't even have to be about work, in fact, making it somewhat personal helps to make the real connection. And now that you are on familiar terms, you can develop a rapport that allows open and honest communication.

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Therese Nappier

Driving Medtech Growth with AI - I Build Amazing Teams - Executive Sales Leadership in Monitoring & Diagnostics
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Text/Slack/Email are fine for small things or FYIs... but I do keep a list going of the important things I need to discuss with him/her. When it gets to about 5 items? I book a meeting on the calendar and list the topic bullets in the invite so they know in advance what we're here to talk about. Half the time, I'm following up on a task they owe me and forgot about. You'd be surprised how much of it gets resolved before the meeting even takes place. Done! #accountability

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4 Highlight Achievements

While it's important to discuss challenges, don't forget to highlight your successes. Share the milestones you've reached and the positive outcomes of your projects. This not only keeps your boss informed but also showcases the value you bring to the team and the organization. Celebrating achievements can boost morale and encourage a positive work environment, which is beneficial for both you and your boss.

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5 Offer Solutions

When you bring up challenges or setbacks, always accompany them with potential solutions or a plan of action. This shows that you're not just presenting problems, but you're also thinking ahead and are prepared to tackle them. It demonstrates your problem-solving skills and your commitment to maintaining the smooth operation of services. Offering solutions can also lead to a more constructive dialogue with your boss about how to address the issues at hand.

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Howard White, PMP

Senior Independent Business and IT Consultant with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and with SCORE
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#5 Offering Possible Solutions is as important as presenting the problem. Your boss or manager doesn't likely have the hands-on skills and knowledge that you bring, and also likely has too many other tasks of their own to manage. Presenting a list of well-thought-out potential solutions allows your boss to have input on the solution (they may have insights not available to you), but also develops trust as you implement the solution(s) to resolve the problem.

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6 Use Technology

Leverage technology to streamline the process of managing up. Utilize project management tools or collaboration platforms to provide real-time updates and maintain transparency with your boss. These tools can help you organize your tasks, set reminders for updates, and even allow your boss to check in on progress at their convenience. Embracing technology can enhance communication and make it easier for both parties to stay informed and engaged with ongoing projects.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Here's how you can effectively manage up and keep your boss updated on your progress.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set Expectations

2 Regular Updates

3 Be Proactive

4 Highlight Achievements

5 Offer Solutions

6 Use Technology

7 Here’s what else to consider

Service Operations

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Here's how you can effectively manage up and keep your boss updated on your progress.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set Expectations

2 Regular Updates

3 Be Proactive

4 Highlight Achievements

5 Offer Solutions

6 Use Technology

7 Here’s what else to consider

Service Operations

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