Comments on: 7 ways to manage up http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/ Advice at the intersection of work and life Sat, 20 Mar 2010 11:31:06 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=abc hourly 1 By: Joe S http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-192130 Joe S Fri, 21 Aug 2009 05:08:00 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-192130 Dear Comrade Lenin, Thanks for your excellent leadership. I know Trotsky will say I'm just "managing up," but I know that you're extra special and just what the Soviet Union needs. I enjoyed our long lunch yesterday and the time we spent sharing tales of our family and my wives who are still living. By the bye, Lenny, could you just let me take a peek at that file you keep of "People Who Talk Bad About Uncle Joe"? I think that if I can just "reach out" to some of these folks, so to speak, I can correct the error of their lives--er, I mean ways. I promise I'll give it right back. And those rumors that I plan to take your job when you retire--pure myth. As my sales presentation to the kulaks showed, I only want what's best for the Soviet people. By the way, I want you to meet my new Human Resource Chief, Penelope. She's just over from the States with some exciting new personnel ideas. They can be applied to any situation, no matter how morally depraved--and as long as Penelope gets her fee, she doesn't care. I like that girl. She reminds me of my first wife, whatever her name was. And I just spoke to Adolph in Germany and he says that he's "cooking up some good ideas" based on her input. I can't wait to see the recipes! Well, see you at the Trotsky Ice Pick Bar and Grill tonight. And text me 24-7 with any work orders! Your faithful subordinate, Joe Stalin Dear Comrade Lenin,

Thanks for your excellent leadership. I know Trotsky will say I'm just "managing up," but I know that you're extra special and just what the Soviet Union needs. I enjoyed our long lunch yesterday and the time we spent sharing tales of our family and my wives who are still living.

By the bye, Lenny, could you just let me take a peek at that file you keep of "People Who Talk Bad About Uncle Joe"? I think that if I can just "reach out" to some of these folks, so to speak, I can correct the error of their lives–er, I mean ways. I promise I'll give it right back.

And those rumors that I plan to take your job when you retire–pure myth. As my sales presentation to the kulaks showed, I only want what's best for the Soviet people.

By the way, I want you to meet my new Human Resource Chief, Penelope. She's just over from the States with some exciting new personnel ideas. They can be applied to any situation, no matter how morally depraved–and as long as Penelope gets her fee, she doesn't care. I like that girl. She reminds me of my first wife, whatever her name was. And I just spoke to Adolph in Germany and he says that he's "cooking up some good ideas" based on her input. I can't wait to see the recipes!

Well, see you at the Trotsky Ice Pick Bar and Grill tonight. And text me 24-7 with any work orders!

Your faithful subordinate,

Joe Stalin

]]> By: mmmmmm http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-190405 mmmmmm Sun, 09 Aug 2009 18:04:45 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-190405 Case of female boss. ... A male boss? No detailed advices to manage up? Case of female boss.

… A male boss?

No detailed advices to manage up?

]]> By: Rita http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-188733 Rita Thu, 09 Jul 2009 18:01:34 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-188733 Sometimes it's impossible to please a person that is set in their ways. If possible I would go through the chain of command with your frustrations.This is not always a failproof solution also. Even though you might be told everything is confidential, things have a way of getting out especially when higher ups are connected and then you become the fall guy. I've been in both situations, so if at all possible find out how close your boss is to his boss before you proceed. Sometimes it's impossible to please a person that is set in their ways. If possible I would go through the chain of command with your frustrations.This is not always a failproof solution also. Even though you might be told everything is confidential, things have a way of getting out especially when higher ups are connected and then you become the fall guy. I've been in both situations, so if at all possible find out how close your boss is to his boss before you proceed.

]]> By: Manuela http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-187499 Manuela Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:00:50 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-187499 what about a boss that isn't interested in what or how you work as long as it's done? a boss that doesn't actually care what you do or how you work? my boss likes to be as little as possible involved in what I do, openly states that he doesn't want to know what my work entales. There are no meetings, ever, not weekly monthly, or yearly. last year he even signed off our review on his own, no communication what so ever. What matters to him is to be left alone, for us to do our work and not involve him, or at least as little as possible. And definitely not involve him when the going get's tough, or his status is required. If you communicate success you are cut down, or belittled, or the outcome is being belittled. I tried over the years to communicate with him, face to face as well as in writing, have made him aware of success we've had, or he's been advised by his boss of positive feed back about me from people that worked with me. I've tried hard to be interested in what he's interested in, however, I can't afford to "play" on the share market and haven't got the time to even follow the share market as my working day is too full as it is. Lunch with my boss is impossible as I am "just" an employee and our bosses have lunch together, you do not break into that club. All our bosses are male, and although I (being female) have worked my entire working life (22 years) with majority male workers, I've never experience such anti female behaviour before. I'm not asking to be treated differently, I just want to be "treated as an employee, part of the team" but it's like kindergarten again, where I have girlgerms. I've asked for new responsibilities when the work load was down, but always just got data entry tasks from my colleague. Was even told by the boss that he perfers an employee of another department to fill in a questioner for him, because he isn't sure if my english abilities are good enough (my first language isn't english). Which becones the question on why I was given the job in the first place, if my abilities are in doubt and why I've been in the job now for 6 years and have never caused any problems for the company or my boss. My boss is very hot an cold, it's like he holds out the carrot, but pulls it away when I get to close or to good. How am I to manage up if I have no way of actually knowing how my boss works, thinks, or what he likes, when it changes at the drop of a hat? I've read in one of the other comments that good leaders smell a brown noser, well then none of these manager are good manager, cause they love to be brown nosed. Any advice is greatly appreciated. what about a boss that isn't interested in what or how you work as long as it's done? a boss that doesn't actually care what you do or how you work? my boss likes to be as little as possible involved in what I do, openly states that he doesn't want to know what my work entales. There are no meetings, ever, not weekly monthly, or yearly. last year he even signed off our review on his own, no communication what so ever. What matters to him is to be left alone, for us to do our work and not involve him, or at least as little as possible. And definitely not involve him when the going get's tough, or his status is required. If you communicate success you are cut down, or belittled, or the outcome is being belittled. I tried over the years to communicate with him, face to face as well as in writing, have made him aware of success we've had, or he's been advised by his boss of positive feed back about me from people that worked with me. I've tried hard to be interested in what he's interested in, however, I can't afford to "play" on the share market and haven't got the time to even follow the share market as my working day is too full as it is. Lunch with my boss is impossible as I am "just" an employee and our bosses have lunch together, you do not break into that club. All our bosses are male, and although I (being female) have worked my entire working life (22 years) with majority male workers, I've never experience such anti female behaviour before. I'm not asking to be treated differently, I just want to be "treated as an employee, part of the team" but it's like kindergarten again, where I have girlgerms. I've asked for new responsibilities when the work load was down, but always just got data entry tasks from my colleague. Was even told by the boss that he perfers an employee of another department to fill in a questioner for him, because he isn't sure if my english abilities are good enough (my first language isn't english). Which becones the question on why I was given the job in the first place, if my abilities are in doubt and why I've been in the job now for 6 years and have never caused any problems for the company or my boss. My boss is very hot an cold, it's like he holds out the carrot, but pulls it away when I get to close or to good. How am I to manage up if I have no way of actually knowing how my boss works, thinks, or what he likes, when it changes at the drop of a hat? I've read in one of the other comments that good leaders smell a brown noser, well then none of these manager are good manager, cause they love to be brown nosed. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

]]> By: Jonathan Singh http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-182539 Jonathan Singh Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:44:46 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-182539 In response to Shelley's post - Not managing-up will lead to a bad performance review at a minimum. You have the uneviable task of breaking in a new and difficult boss. It is not uncommon for new bosses to be insecure and to discredit people. Some of them live under the fear that they will be fired and replaced by one of their subordinates. It is unprofessional that the boss told you that they didn't like you but it is also insightful. It tells you that they are a 'feeling' centred person according to myers briggs (see www.myersbriggs.org). Find out what principles the boss holds then try to reflect those principles in your communications with her/him. From time to time you will have to be brave and use "I statements" to correct poor behaviour from the manager. View these as education sessions but be careful not to provide too much upwards coaching as this will prove counter productive. Lastly be open to coaching from the new boss and make yourself vulnerable. Ask for advice and guidance on occassion. This will cause the boss to invest in you and tie you together more. In summary try following some of the advice on this page and things might improve. For more specific advice on <a href="http://www.managing-up.com" rel="nofollow">managing up</a> in this situation visit my site and tell me more about it. In response to Shelley's post – Not managing-up will lead to a bad performance review at a minimum. You have the uneviable task of breaking in a new and difficult boss. It is not uncommon for new bosses to be insecure and to discredit people. Some of them live under the fear that they will be fired and replaced by one of their subordinates. It is unprofessional that the boss told you that they didn't like you but it is also insightful. It tells you that they are a 'feeling' centred person according to myers briggs (see http://www.myersbriggs.org). Find out what principles the boss holds then try to reflect those principles in your communications with her/him. From time to time you will have to be brave and use "I statements" to correct poor behaviour from the manager. View these as education sessions but be careful not to provide too much upwards coaching as this will prove counter productive. Lastly be open to coaching from the new boss and make yourself vulnerable. Ask for advice and guidance on occassion. This will cause the boss to invest in you and tie you together more. In summary try following some of the advice on this page and things might improve. For more specific advice on managing up in this situation visit my site and tell me more about it.

]]> By: Management Friday: Managing Up « The Mama Bee http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-179496 Management Friday: Managing Up « The Mama Bee Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:03:24 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-179496 [...] 7 Ways to Manage Up from Penelope Trunk at the Brazen Careerist [...] [...] 7 Ways to Manage Up from Penelope Trunk at the Brazen Careerist [...]

]]> By: Courting Your Career http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-178756 Courting Your Career Sun, 04 Jan 2009 22:23:15 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-178756 [...] sometimes even the not so subtle can seem subtle. You’re hoping to expand your job responsibilities but your boss tells you repeatedly that he or she isn’t ready to have that discussion. But, [...] [...] sometimes even the not so subtle can seem subtle. You’re hoping to expand your job responsibilities but your boss tells you repeatedly that he or she isn’t ready to have that discussion. But, [...]

]]> By: Shelley http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-177027 Shelley Fri, 19 Dec 2008 07:48:57 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-177027 I've been told/recommended to "Manage Up" with my boss. The problem is she doesn't like me (I've been told this to my face by her) and she's never been a manager before! As a result of our issues and her sly tactics to make me look bad and discredit me, I feel I cannot trust her and it's very hard for me to respect her as well. Does managing up work in this situation? To be honest, I don't "feel like" being nice to her and making her life easier, catering to her needs and filling in for her weaknesses. I've been told/recommended to "Manage Up" with my boss. The problem is she doesn't like me (I've been told this to my face by her) and she's never been a manager before! As a result of our issues and her sly tactics to make me look bad and discredit me, I feel I cannot trust her and it's very hard for me to respect her as well. Does managing up work in this situation? To be honest, I don't "feel like" being nice to her and making her life easier, catering to her needs and filling in for her weaknesses.

]]> By: Work Happy Now! » Obama Wins - 7 Career Tips You Can Learn From Obama’s Strategy http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-172632 Work Happy Now! » Obama Wins - 7 Career Tips You Can Learn From Obama’s Strategy Wed, 05 Nov 2008 04:01:12 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-172632 [...] primaries. He knew where to put his money and how to gain the confidence of the right leaders. He managed up. He won a few states and the tide kept rolling. He gained Oprah’s endorsement and the [...] [...] primaries. He knew where to put his money and how to gain the confidence of the right leaders. He managed up. He won a few states and the tide kept rolling. He gained Oprah's endorsement and the [...]

]]> By: Intellectual curiosity is your friend « Courting Your Career http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/comment-page-1/#comment-171041 Intellectual curiosity is your friend « Courting Your Career Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:57:32 +0000 http://blog.penelopetrunk.com/2006/11/03/7-ways-to-manage-up/#comment-171041 [...] the rationale behind what you’re doing and why you’re doing it—in other words, your level of intellectual curiosity. And that becomes even more of an expectation as you progress throughout your career. Managers want [...] [...] the rationale behind what you’re doing and why you’re doing it—in other words, your level of intellectual curiosity. And that becomes even more of an expectation as you progress throughout your career. Managers want [...]

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