22Bonus Tips – 50 Ways to Manage Your Manager

“Every success story is a tale of constant adaption, revision, and change.”

—Richard Branson

Managing up is a true art form that has many facets, shapes, and configurations. While the bulk of this book explored managing up based on specific personality traits and behaviors, the list below contains our top 50 tips for managing up normal, everyday bosses. Consider them the basic tenets of managing up. Enjoy, and good luck!

  1. Build the relationship/foster a partnership.

    Take the time to really build a relationship. Get to know your boss. Learn about who he is. Learn about what she's done. Have coffee now and then. Show him that you share his goals. Show her that you can be counted on to achieve organizational priorities. Be a human being.

  2. Be a professional at all times.

    No matter what your boss does, you should always approach work in a professional manner. Take yourself and your job seriously.

  3. Bring solutions not problems.

    Always hand your boss proposed solutions instead of only problems. In fact, you should never bring a problem to your boss without at least one proposed solution. Presenting options is even better. Show your boss that you are a self‐sufficient, proactive problem solver.

  4. No surprises.

    Never give your boss surprises. Make her aware of everything that is important to her job, so that she can avoid surprising her boss.

  5. Be humble.

    A little respectful humility goes a long way. Don't approach your boss with a sense of ...

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