Managing Up Diagnostic

Discover which managing up skills you should focus on to improve your working relationship with your manager.

Understanding Your Manager's Priorities

I'm very clear on my manager's top priorities and how my work connects to them I have a general sense of priorities but could be clearer on specifics I'm often unsure what matters most to my manager right now I rarely understand the reasoning behind my manager's priorities

Your Manager's Working Style

I understand exactly how my manager prefers to communicate and make decisions I know some preferences but haven't discussed others I'm often guessing about how they want to work together I frequently seem to communicate in ways that don't work for them

Clarifying Unclear Requests

I always ask clarifying questions and confirm understanding before starting work I usually ask questions but sometimes make assumptions I often start work and hope I'm interpreting requests correctly I frequently deliver work that doesn't match what was expected

When You Feel Stuck or Frustrated

I quickly identify when I'm stuck and clearly communicate what I need I recognize when I'm stuck but sometimes struggle to ask for help I often stay stuck longer than I should before reaching out I tend to struggle in silence and rarely ask for support

Keeping Your Manager Updated

I proactively share updates and my manager is never surprised by developments I usually keep them informed but occasionally miss something I sometimes wait too long to share important updates My manager is often surprised by issues or developments in my work

Recognizing Your Manager's Strengths

I regularly acknowledge what my manager does well and express appreciation I sometimes give positive feedback but could do it more often I rarely give my manager positive feedback or recognition I focus mainly on what my manager could improve rather than their strengths

Starting New Projects

I always align with my manager on goals, risks, and success metrics before starting I usually discuss key elements but sometimes miss important details I often jump into projects without sufficient upfront alignment My projects frequently change direction because we weren't aligned initially

Owning Mistakes and Setbacks

I quickly acknowledge mistakes, explain impact, and share my plan to fix them I own mistakes but sometimes delay sharing them I have trouble admitting when things go wrong I often get defensive or make excuses when problems arise

Problem-Solving Approach

I always bring multiple solution options with my recommendation when raising problems I usually come with ideas but sometimes just present the problem I often bring problems without having thought through solutions I tend to dump problems on my manager and wait for direction

Level of Independence

I have the right level of autonomy and regularly discuss expanding my responsibilities I have some autonomy but would like more in certain areas I feel micromanaged and wish I had more decision-making authority I have little autonomy and my manager controls most aspects of my work

One-on-One Meetings

My 1:1s are well-structured, strategic conversations that drive my growth My 1:1s are helpful but could be more strategic My 1:1s often feel like status updates with little strategic value I don't have regular 1:1s or they're frequently cancelled