S03E15 : The How Can I Help? Episode

Look at the lattice of the organization, not just the ladder

Leap between individual contributor and manager

No change of nature between the different levels of managers - shift in intensity, but not the nature of the work

Develop a network of people at and around your level

At some point you'll be playing the game, so need a wide network to support you

How do we define a "good working relationship" with your manager?

Being too passive in the relationship with your manager

Lack of clarity of expectations and not asking for more clarity

Bringing people's reputations into your relationship

Confirmation bias - when you see people through the lens you want to

Asymmetric power relationships

When you think your boss should do something differently - you suffer, not them

Relying too heavily on your power of expertise and not your power of connections

Managing up connotates teaching your manager how to do their job

First step - check your own ego

Second step - develop self awareness, know your triggers, what pisses you off about people

Third step - Know what motivates you and how your manager aligns or not with those

Fourth step - Take the time to develop a relationship

Know your external motivators which are context driven

The power of working their way gains capital with them and builds trust

Prove that you can work in their system

Do you known what your boss needs? How can you "manage up" if you don't know what your boss needs?

Develop a coaching mindset up toward everyone around you

Do you ever ask your boss "How can I help?"

Whether we like it or not we are in service to our manager - we aren't just in service to our direct reports

Not standing in someone else's shoes for a while

Empathy can be dangerous. Compassion is less taxing