Managing Up: Collaborating WITH Your Leadership - DeJuan Brown
Sales Success Stories
Deep Dive
Why is it important to define terms when discussing managing up?
Defining terms is crucial because it ensures everyone is on the same page and prevents misunderstandings. As Socrates said, 'The beginning of wisdom is the definition of terms.'
What is DeJuan Brown's working definition of managing up?
Managing up is about managing the relationship with leadership such that your actions and behaviors are intentionally aligned with their known preferences, for the benefit of all. It involves discovery to understand their proclivities, communication styles, and priorities.
Why should you treat your boss like your biggest customer or prospect?
Treating your boss as your biggest customer or prospect allows you to apply the same principles of discovery, understanding, and alignment that you use in sales. This helps you customize your approach and actions to better serve your boss's needs and achieve mutual goals.
How can performing more than is ordered actually hinder your career advancement?
Performing more than is ordered can put additional work on your manager's plate if the extra tasks are not aligned with their priorities. This can be seen as misaligned effort rather than impactful contribution. Effective managing up involves doing the right things that help your manager and the organization, based on a clear understanding of their needs.
Why should you be proactive in making your manager's job easier?
Being proactive in making your manager's job easier reduces stress and wasted time. It ensures you focus on the tasks and projects that truly advance the organization's goals and your manager's objectives, rather than on secondary or tertiary activities.
How can you balance your boss's needs with your own needs when managing up?
Balance is achieved by being clear and reliable in your communication. Just as you would with a major customer, understand their needs and align your asks with those needs. Make reasonable requests and show how they will help both you and your boss achieve your goals.
Why is it not considered inauthentic to adjust your behavior based on your boss's preferences?
Adjusting your behavior based on your boss's preferences does not diminish your authenticity. It is about leveraging your authentic self to be more effective in your interactions and align with their needs, just as you would in a sales call. Authenticity is about being yourself, not a rigid, unchanging version of yourself.
- Managing up is about collaboration, not control.
- A servant-hearted approach benefits both the employee and leader.
- Understanding your leader's preferences is crucial for effective collaboration.
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