Learn to manage up and influence your boss's decisions with effective business communication strategies for a better workplace dynamic.

The best way to influence the boss’ decision is to know your stuff. Do your homework. Understand the full picture. Offer advice with nuance and respect for varying perspectives. Be prepared by outlining the situation, sharing options and perspective with pros & cons for each option. Anticipate consequences by showing potential wins & risks for each option. Using this analysis, present a final recommendation with appropriate confidence. Ultimately, serve as an internal consultant. Once the boss makes their final decision, support it and all it takes to ensure their success with communications and execution. Our job is to support the organizations success. That entails being a trusted partner at all levels, including superiors. Lead!

Last updated on Jul 21, 2024

Here's how you can effectively manage up and influence your boss's decision-making.

Managing up is a strategy to improve the relationship with your boss and to influence decisions in the workplace. It's about understanding your boss's needs and how you can contribute to their success, which, in turn, can lead to your own. By mastering this skill, you'll be able to present your ideas in a way that aligns with their goals and decision-making process. It's not about manipulation; it's about creating a mutually beneficial partnership that can lead to greater productivity and satisfaction for both parties.

1 Understand Them

To effectively manage up, you need to start by understanding your boss's preferences, goals, and pressures. Pay attention to their communication style and adapt to it. Are they data-driven or do they prefer a broad overview? Do they appreciate regular updates or just the end results? By tailoring your approach to match their style, you're more likely to get their attention and support. Furthermore, by being aware of their goals, you can align your proposals with what matters most to them, increasing the chances that they'll be receptive to your ideas.

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Kim Giangrande

Fixer, Leader, Creator, Changer, Disruptor, Speaker, Survivor, Mother... focused on Strategy, Human Resources, Talent Management, Total Rewards, Compensation design, Organizational Development, Growth, Innovation
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The best way to influence the boss’ decision is to know your stuff. Do your homework. Understand the full picture. Offer advice with nuance and respect for varying perspectives. Be prepared by outlining the situation, sharing options and perspective with pros & cons for each option. Anticipate consequences by showing potential wins & risks for each option. Using this analysis, present a final recommendation with appropriate confidence. Ultimately, serve as an internal consultant. Once the boss makes their final decision, support it and all it takes to ensure their success with communications and execution. Our job is to support the organizations success. That entails being a trusted partner at all levels, including superiors. Lead!

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Rosana Coromoto Sosa García

Consultor en Riskoff
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A mí me ha ayudado en mi trayectoria profesional expresar mis conocimientos articulados con la visión y estrategia de negocios. La capacidad de entrelazar las fortalezas, debilidades, amenazas y oportunidades de forma realísta y productiva permite medir los riesgos y a la vez diseñar una hoja de ruta garantizando el éxito de las políticas. La innovación del pensamiento sobre la base del conocimiento y la experiencia es una facultad que añade valor a nuestra presencia en la toma de decisiones.

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2 Build Trust

Trust is the cornerstone of any relationship and it's essential when managing up. Demonstrate your reliability by consistently delivering high-quality work and by being honest about your capabilities and timeframes. If you promise to complete a task, ensure you do so on time. When trust is established, your boss is more likely to value your input and consider your suggestions seriously. Remember, trust is built over time through consistent actions, so be patient and persistent.

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Rosana Coromoto Sosa García

Consultor en Riskoff
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En realidad estoy de acuerdo con ello,pero agregaría que la confianza se gana cuando nuestro trabajo está alineado con nuestros valores y principios. Entonces, cualquier opinión será honesta y desprovista de intereses particulares. Al margen de que cumpla con una periodicidad estricta, ésto es lo más importante.

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3 Communicate Clearly

Clear communication is vital when presenting ideas to your boss. Be concise and focus on key points that resonate with their interests and the needs of the business. Avoid jargon unless it's commonly used in your workplace, and even then, make sure it's necessary. When you articulate your thoughts clearly, you eliminate misunderstandings and make it easier for your boss to see the value in your proposals.

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Rosana Coromoto Sosa García

Consultor en Riskoff
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Me parece importante involucrar las distintas áreas estructurales del negocio en tu propuesta. Es sumamente generoso contar con la opinión del resto del equipo sin perseguir un merito unilateral. Al final, será más facil implementar las mejoras y trabajar en equipo.

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4 Timing Matters

Timing can be as important as the message itself when managing up. Look for the right moment to approach your boss with ideas or concerns. This could be after a successful project completion, during a one-on-one meeting, or when your boss is in a good mood. Avoid times of high stress or when they are preoccupied with critical issues. The right timing can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable response.

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5 Offer Solutions

When you approach your boss with a problem, always have a solution ready. This demonstrates initiative and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in any workplace. Your solutions should be well-thought-out and feasible, showcasing that you've considered the implications and resources required. This proactive approach can greatly influence your boss's decision-making as it shows you're not just identifying issues but also thinking ahead to resolve them.

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6 Support Your Case

Lastly, when you propose an idea or solution, back it up with evidence. This could be data from past projects, insights from industry trends, or feedback from clients or team members. Providing solid evidence makes your case more compelling and can help sway your boss's decision in your favor. It shows that you're not just offering opinions but informed suggestions based on real-world information.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Dr Anjali

Corporate Trainer I LinkedIn Top Voice I Content Writer I Image Consultant l Brand Consultant I Featured on LinkedIn News I Published Author
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Putting yourself in the boss’s shoes and viewing the world a little from their perspective can influence your boss's decision-making. Begin to answer critical questions to yourself: -What is top-of-mind right now? -How is their performance measured — what targets need to be met this quarter? -What would make their lives easier? -What keeps them awake at night? -How would they like to be supported? -What's their definition of success? -What do they consider urgent versus non-urgent? -If you have any feedback, how would they prefer to receive it? In-person, an email or text, over the phone, or during a video call?

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Here's how you can effectively manage up and influence your boss's decision-making.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Them

2 Build Trust

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Timing Matters

5 Offer Solutions

6 Support Your Case

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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Here's how you can effectively manage up and influence your boss's decision-making.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Understand Them

2 Build Trust

3 Communicate Clearly

4 Timing Matters

5 Offer Solutions

6 Support Your Case

7 Here’s what else to consider

Business Communications

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