Managing Up: Part 2. Follow the Rules

The Foundations of Managing Up

Managing up isn’t about bending higher‑level decisions to your will; it’s about aligning your everyday actions with the expectations of those you report to. The image you cultivate is a currency that can accelerate or stall your career. To keep that currency in circulation, you must adopt a set of habits that signal reliability, respect, and professionalism. Below are the core rules that form the bedrock of a healthy manager‑employee relationship.

Rule one is to steer clear of situations that could damage your reputation. Public protests, controversial rallies, or any event that might put you in the spotlight for the wrong reasons can create an unwanted narrative. Even a brief appearance in a news clip can set a tone that takes years to repair. The simplest way to avoid notoriety is to keep your private life out of the public eye and focus on work‑related visibility.

The second rule tackles a common temptation: alcohol during the workday. Many managers enjoy a drink at lunch, but mirroring that habit can backfire. Imagine an employee who, eager to follow his boss’s example, orders five beers while their supervisor eats. When the boss returns, a note about the employee’s drinking problem finds its way into the personnel file. That mistake derailed promotions for months. The lesson is clear - stay sober, especially if you drive a company vehicle. The legal and reputational risks are too high for the short‑term relief of a beverage.

Availability for overtime is the third rule. When you consistently put work before personal plans, you send a powerful message of dedication. It’s not about overworking every day; it’s about being ready when an urgent need arises. The ability to step in during critical moments builds trust and shows you’re a reliable resource. As you climb the ladder, that readiness becomes a differentiator between a dependable contributor and a passive participant.

Next, consider the quality of your deliverables. Submitting a report with an error is a self‑defeating act. A single mistake can spark a chain of miscommunication, erode confidence, and cost you opportunities. Double‑check every figure, citation, and conclusion before you hit send. In the fast‑paced environment of senior leadership, accuracy is non‑negotiable. Your meticulousness becomes a shield against criticism and a badge of honor in future discussions.

Punctuality is more than arriving on time; it’s about respecting others’ schedules. Late or incomplete reports irritate executives who rely on clear data to make decisions. Whenever you have a deadline, give yourself a cushion, not a buffer, so that you can submit work ahead of schedule. Demonstrating a habit of early completion shows that you anticipate needs and that you’re mindful of the team's rhythm.

Never upstage your boss unless instructed. Even a well‑intentioned contribution can feel like a challenge if it eclipses the leader’s narrative. For example, a junior analyst answered a chairman’s question in a meeting without the manager’s cue. The spontaneous display of knowledge was interpreted as a lack of deference, and the analyst was dismissed a few months later. In hierarchical settings, the appearance of competition can be as damaging as actual conflict.

Morning punctuality deserves its own emphasis. Managers observe the first few hours of a workday closely. Showing up early, ready to engage, signals reliability and commitment. If you are often late, the impression that you’re unpredictable grows, regardless of how well you perform during the day. Consistency in the morning sets a tone that carries through the entire work period.

Practical Tactics to Keep Your Manager Favorable

Beyond the foundational rules, active strategies can elevate your standing. Begin by mastering proactive communication. Let your manager know, in advance, when you’re facing a potential delay or need additional resources. By framing your needs early, you avoid surprises and demonstrate foresight. Regular, concise updates also reinforce your transparency and respect for the leader’s time.

Align your work with the company’s strategic objectives. When you frame project goals in terms of broader organizational outcomes, you make your contributions instantly relevant. Take the time to understand the high‑level priorities of your department and translate them into actionable steps. This alignment signals that you’re not only a task executor but also a strategic thinker.

Managing expectations is a nuanced skill. Commit to deadlines that you can realistically meet. If you foresee a bottleneck, flag it early and propose a solution. By setting realistic timelines, you protect your reputation and reduce the risk of last‑minute crises. The ability to forecast obstacles and mitigate them is a trait that senior leaders prize.

Build rapport across the leadership spectrum. While you focus on your direct manager, don’t ignore the wider network of decision makers. Attend cross‑functional meetings, contribute thoughtful comments, and follow up on action items. Cultivating a network of allies broadens your visibility and creates advocates who can vouch for your competence when promotion discussions arise.

When mistakes occur - inevitable in any career - own them promptly. Acknowledge the error, outline corrective steps, and seek feedback on how to prevent recurrence. Demonstrating humility and a willingness to learn shows resilience. Leaders respect employees who can turn setbacks into growth moments, rather than those who dodge responsibility.

Solicit constructive feedback on a regular basis. A quarterly check‑in with your manager can provide clarity on performance gaps and highlight strengths you might not realize. Ask specific questions: “What are the key areas where I can improve to support the team’s goals?” or “Which projects should I take on to develop the next skill set needed for my role?” By seeking guidance, you signal ambition and a readiness to advance.

Position yourself for advancement by volunteering for stretch assignments. Show that you can handle more responsibility without sacrificing quality. When a new initiative arises, offer to lead a small component or conduct research. Demonstrating the capacity to take on higher stakes signals that you’re ready for promotion.

Finally, maintain professionalism in all interactions. Whether you’re drafting an email, delivering a presentation, or dealing with a colleague, consistency in tone, courtesy, and respect sets the standard for how you’re perceived. A professional demeanor is the most durable asset you can develop; it remains intact even when projects falter.

© 2003 Institute of Management Studies. All Rights Reserved. Kempton Smith and Michael Williams help organizations achieve excellence in management. Visit Institute of Management Studies for more articles and training resources.