The Art of Charm

Managing Up: 10 Conversations with Your Manager | Melody Wilding

Feb 24, 2025

Melody Wilding, an executive coach and author of "Managing Up," specializes in helping high-achievers conquer self-doubt. She shares strategies for overcoming hesitations in difficult conversations with bosses and the importance of aligning goals with management. Melody emphasizes the necessity of setting work boundaries and effectively communicating feedback to showcase commitment. Additionally, she discusses securing support from multiple leaders to safeguard career progression and the significance of building trust for professional success.

01:07:37

Episode guests

Melody Wilding

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Effective communication with your manager involves ongoing dialogue, aligning your goals with organizational priorities, and showcasing your contributions meaningfully.

Building social capital through relationship nurturing and engagement in informal interactions is essential for career advancement opportunities.

Establishing personal boundaries at work and learning to say no without damaging your relationship with your boss is crucial for professional growth.

Deep dives

The Importance of Creating a Recharge Space

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Intro

2min

Navigating Career Growth through Effective Management Up

3min

Building Trust Through Proactive Communication

7min

Navigating Workplace Dynamics for Success

8min

Navigating Managerial Relationships for Career Growth

21min

Navigating Workload and Communication with Your Manager

3min

Building Trust and Expanding Professional Networks

5min

Leveraging Social Connections for Career Advancement

2min

Harnessing Serendipity in Professional Connections

14min

10.

Transformation Through Personal and Professional Growth

2min

In today’s episode, we discuss the most effective approach to fly up the corporate ladder with Melody Wilding, an executive coach, human behavior expert, and acclaimed author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. Recognized as one of Business Insider’s “Most Innovative Coaches,” Melody specializes in guiding sensitive high-achievers—from Fortune 500 leaders to creative visionaries—helping them transform self-doubt into confidence, master their emotions, and unlock their full potential in both their careers and personal lives.

What to Listen For

Introduction – 00:00:00

Overcome the hesitation around having difficult conversations with your boss.
Planting ideas in your manager’s mind for future projects and promotions.

Signs You Need Help to Improve – 00:10:31

What are the signs you need help communicating your goals and ambitions to your boss?
How do you align with your boss on your goals to gain their support and guidance?

Implementing Feedback to Exceed Your Boss’s Expectations – 00:22:40

How do you prioritize feedback to show your boss your commitment to growth and value?
Why should you avoid helping co-workers too much?

Setting Work Boundaries and How to Say No – 00:29:33

How to set workplace boundaries if you struggle with them personally.
How do you say no to extra tasks without hurting your relationship with your boss?

Avoid Single Points of Failure – 00:39:15

How to secure support from multiple leaders in case your boss or key leader leaves?
Strengthen your relationship with your boss while connecting with leadership above them?

Raise Your Visibility and Promotability– 00:47:45

How do you increase your visibility so your manager considers you for promotions?
How do you quit on a high note and maintain a strong reputation, even mid-project?

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