Trying to Manage Your Manager? Use the “BOSS” Acronym

A brief guide to managing up

Image Credit: krakenimages on Unsplash

In my work training hundreds of leaders over the past seven years, many have wondered the same question: How can I manage my manager? And how can I challenge them when I disagree with one of their ideas?

This process is often called “managing up”: creating a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with your manager in which you can work productively together while also respectfully challenging them.

Many leaders fear pushing back on their boss because executives and senior managers can occasionally be intimidating, opinionated, and stubborn.

But managing up is an important career skill to build because it can help you grow in your career, increase your job satisfaction, and minimize your work frustrations because you’re able to collectively discuss difficult topics.

I use a 4-step acronym called “BOSS” to help leaders remember four key elements of managing up:

1. Build the relationship

All strong relationships begin with a foundation of mutual respect. Get to know them on a personal level and allow them to do the same with you. Talk about both work and non-work topics (if they’re open to it).