8 Ways to Manage Up & Influence

The concept of “managing up” is the ability to create alignment and success between you and your boss, company leaders, and/or customers. No matter what your role is in the print and promo industry, you have the power to influence the people around you and build your reputation as someone who is competent, mindful, and driven. Here’s what I’ve learned firsthand: 
1. Play in the gap.
Your job isn’t always what’s listed on the official description. Find the gap between what’s expected and what needs to be accomplished that isn’t currently being done. One of my favorite career-advice TikTok creators is @jobdoctortessa and she masterfully explains this strategy in much of her content. 
2. Avoid surprises. 
When in doubt, over-communicate. Most of the time, your leader and/or customers would rather be in the loop on the front end of a problem rather than surprised on the backend with no options left. It can be nerve-wracking to do this (especially when they’re big problems) but this will give you much more credibility in the long run. 
3. Communicate. Then communicate more. 
Provide proactive project updates, what resources you need, and any other details that will help you stay more aligned. Depending on your relationship, sometimes it can also be helpful to share certain personal life updates - especially if it will temporarily impact your performance. When you’re open, it helps the people around you understand the context of the situation. 
4. Recommend the solution firsts, then ask for feedback.
This is an opportunity to show problem-solving skills while still opening up the conversation for discussion and approval.
5. Do the mental labor. 
If people around you need to be the ones to follow up, solve problems and do the legwork, you’re pushing mental labor onto them. This is unseen, intangible work that is often invisible but can be a major game changer in how others trust and depend on you. 
6. Anticipate schedules.
Whether it’s your customer or manager, you can set everyone up for success by being mindful of what their schedule looks like. Do they have a big event or travel coming up? If so, what can you take off their plate (or provide to them) that would make their life easier? On the flip side, consider which projects or meetings could be shifted and forecast the optimal time to request their attention. 
7. Ask for focused feedback 
If you’re truly trying to improve a certain skill or area of your job, it’s your responsibility to ask for that feedback. This also shows self awareness and commitment to growth. 
8. Share your goals 
In a similar vein, building your career is 100% your responsibility. It takes a level of vulnerability to share this with peers, management and customers and doesn’t always come easy. Communicate your needs and ambitions with the people who can help get you there…if you don’t, you’re the only one to blame when they don’t come true. The next step is to then become undeniably good at what you do. 
We all have the ability to design our lives and careers in a meaningful way. It takes time, patience and practice. When you’re in sync with the people around you, you can make a bigger impact, create cohesion and hit your goals sooner.