In the fast-paced and competitive world of tech, career development often feels like a race against time. While we diligently hone our technical skills and chase the latest trends, something crucial often gets overlooked: managing our managers.

Many tech professionals underestimate the influence their managers have on their career trajectory. By proactively managing this relationship, you can gain clarity, direction, and ultimately, accelerate your path to success.

Why Manage Your Manager?

Imagine navigating a complex maze blindfolded. That's what it's like working without clear expectations and consistent feedback. "Managing your manager" is about removing the blindfold and ensuring you're on the right path to your desired destination.

Here's how managing your manager can empower you:

• Clarity: Establish clear expectations around your performance, understand what it takes to meet expectations, exceed them, and achieve promotion.

• Performance: Regular feedback and aligned expectations help you identify areas for improvement and optimize your work for maximum impact.

• Relationships: Open communication and transparency build trust and mutual respect with your manager.

• Disambiguation: Knowing where you stand and what's expected eliminates ambiguity and uncertainty, leading to lower stress levels and better job satisfaction.

How to Manage Your Manager: A Practical Guide

1. Define Expectations:

This is perhaps the most important part of your job, regardless of your job description or title. These are things YOU need to do. Do not expect your manager to do them or even initiate them. Be intentional about them.

• Engage in Open Communication: Discuss your career goals and aspirations with your manager. Be specific. Make sure these mesh with team, division, and company goals and be able to articulate their value to the company.

• Set Clear Performance Objectives: Establish measurable metrics and timelines for meeting and exceeding expectations.

• Document Everything: Literally everything. Put your agreed-upon expectations in writing, including promotion criteria and any promised rewards. Share this document with your manager for their signature. This is you holding your manager accountable. Revisit and revise the document as needed, and get sign-off on all the changes.

• Confirm with HR: Schedule a separate meeting with HR to confirm expectations align with company policy and obtain any additional documentation. Remember, their primary role is to protect the company. It will keep everyone honest.

• Involve Your Skip-Level Manager: Schedule a separate meeting with your skip-level manager to discuss your agreed-upon expectations. Share your documentation and seek their feedback. This ensures alignment with broader team and company goals and establishes a communication channel for support.

2. Schedule Regular Check-ins:

• Establish bi-weekly or monthly meetings with your manager to specifically discuss progress and address any concerns.

• Come prepared with specific questions about your performance and feedback.

• Use these meetings to track your progress towards promotion goals and adjust strategies if needed.

• If anything changes from what was previously documented, make sure the changes are noted, and signed off by your manager. Also make sure your skip is aware of any significant changes.

3. Communicate Proactively:

Share progress and achievements:

• Instead of waiting for your manager to ask, proactively send them a weekly or bi-weekly update on your progress.

• Highlight key achievements and milestones.

• Quantify your contributions.

Identify roadblocks and seek solutions:

• Ask for help before you become stuck.

• Proactively identify potential roadblocks and challenges.

• Come prepared with proposed solutions or alternative approaches.

Share new skills and accomplishments:

• Don't assume your manager is aware of every new skill you've acquired or accomplishment you've achieved.

• Proactively share new certifications, courses completed, or projects you've taken initiative on.

• Connect these skills and accomplishments to your career goals and how they benefit the company.

Solicit feedback and ask questions:

• Don't wait for your formal review to seek feedback.

• Proactively ask your manager for feedback on your performance and areas for improvement.

• Come prepared with specific questions about your role, expectations, or career progression.

Initiate conversations about career goals:

• Don't expect your manager to guess what your career aspirations are.

• Proactively schedule a conversation to discuss your long-term career goals and aspirations.

• Ask for their guidance and support in achieving those goals.

Communicate concerns and challenges transparently:

• Don't bottle up frustrations or concerns.

• Proactively communicate any challenges you're facing or disagreements you have in a respectful and constructive manner.

• Focus on finding solutions and collaborating with your manager to overcome obstacles.

Express appreciation and recognition:

• Don't take your manager's support for granted.

• Proactively express your appreciation for their guidance, feedback, and opportunities they provide.

• Recognize their contributions and highlight their positive impact on your work.

• Be reliable, proactive, and respectful in your interactions with your manager.

• Show initiative and take ownership of your projects and responsibilities.

• Be receptive to feedback and demonstrate your willingness to learn and grow.

4. Leverage Your Manager's Network:

• Seek opportunities to connect with your manager's network, gaining exposure to senior leaders and potential mentors.

• Participate in company events and initiatives sponsored by your manager.

• Learn what specific projects your manager or skip really care about, and how they align with your career goals.

By intentionally managing your manager, you take control of your career development and increase your chances of achieving your goals. Remember, clear communication, consistent effort, and a positive attitude are key to building a successful and rewarding relationship with your manager.

Ready to take charge of your career? Get in touch today for personalized coaching and guidance!

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