Managing Up: Making the Reporting Relationship Work for You Both

By Michael Cavanaugh, MA, MBA

Most of us spend a lot of time thinking about how to lead and mentor others, or collaborate with peers—but we often overlook one of the most influential relationships in our day-to-day work: the one we have with the person we report to. Some people call that person the boss, others the manager, leader, guide, director, supervisor. In this article I use the term ‘manager’, but insert whatever title that works best for you. 

Managing up isn’t manipulation, flattery, or pretending to be someone you’re not. It’s the proactive work of understanding your manager’s world well enough that the partnership becomes easier, more productive, and mutually beneficial.

Over the years, I’ve found that a few key strategies make all the difference.

1. Understand Their Style and What They Need

Every manager has a style—some lead with data, others with big-picture vision, and some communicate in rapid-fire bullet points while others think out loud. Pay attention.

• Notice how they prefer to communicate and make decisions. 
• Clarify their goals and expectations early and often. 
• Look for how your strengths can support their priorities, and adjust your approach to make collaboration smoother. 

This isn’t about guessing what they want—it’s about understanding how they work so you can work with them instead of around them.

2. Build Trust by Showing Real Value 

Managing up works only when trust is in place. 

That means:

• Keep your manager in the loop—not with constant reporting, but with thoughtful updates that show you’re on top of your responsibilities. 
• Solve problems creatively and independently when you can, and ask for guidance when you truly need it. 
• Lean on them appropriately: good managers want to support your growth, and they appreciate employees who surface issues before they become crises. 

Demonstrating value isn’t bragging; it’s showing reliability, judgment, and initiative. 

3. Handle Hard Moments with Professionalism and Grace 

No workplace is free of tension, misunderstandings, or pressure.

When things get tough:

• Start with empathy. Your manager has their own stresses and constraints that you may not see. 
• Offer support when they’re under pressure—small gestures matter. 
• If you need to address a difficult issue, avoid emotional confrontations. Instead, choose a neutral setting, prepare your thoughts, stick to a single concern, and keep the conversation focused on the work, not the person. 

These are the moments when professionalism pays off the most. 

At its core, managing up is a shared responsibility.
It’s not about surrendering your autonomy; it’s about acknowledging your manager’s authority while working toward a common purpose. When you invest in this relationship with intention, clarity, and respect, work becomes smoother—and your impact grows right along with it. 

At Thunderbird Leadership Consulting, we specialize in supporting your team and strengthening the crucial relationships within it. We understand the dynamics and challenges of working with others and are committed to helping you and your team cultivate healthy, beneficial work styles and relationships. Contact us by call or text with any questions—we’re eager to help.