Managing Up: 10 ways to effectively communicate with your boss

As a seasoned software developer, I’ve learned that effective communication with your boss is key to a successful career. However, it's easier said than done, especially when you’re dealing with a boss who is difficult to communicate with. The good news is that managing up is a skill that can be learned and improved upon over time. In this article, I'll share actionable insights, strategies, and tactics that will help you level up as a leader.

1. Understand your boss's goals and objectives
   Your boss has their own goals and objectives. It's crucial to understand them and align your goals with theirs. This will make it easier for you to communicate with them and get their buy-in. Take time to observe your boss and study their behavior, style, and preferences. By doing this, you’ll be able to identify their priorities and motivations.

   "Leadership is not about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge." - Simon Sinek

2. Be proactive and take ownership
   Effective leaders take ownership of their work and are proactive in finding solutions. Don't wait for your boss to tell you what to do or how to do it. Instead, take the initiative and come up with ideas and solutions that align with their goals. This will demonstrate your value as a leader and earn their trust. If you bring a problem to your boss, make sure you include at least one potential solution with it.

3. Build a strong relationship
   Your boss is human, just like you. Building a strong relationship with them will help you communicate better and work together more effectively. Get to know them on a personal level and find common interests to build a connection. This will make it easier to bring up difficult topics or disagreements in a constructive manner.

4. Communicate clearly and concisely
   Effective communication is key to managing up. Be clear and concise in your communication with your boss. Use language that is easy to understand, and be specific about what you need or want. This will help avoid misunderstandings and ensure that your message is received and understood.

5. Use data to support your points
   Data speaks louder than words. Use data and facts to support your points and ideas. This will add credibility to your arguments and make it easier to persuade your boss. Use data to back up your decisions and show the impact of your work.

   "Without data, you're just another person with an opinion." - W. Edwards Deming

6. Anticipate problems and offer solutions
   Anticipating problems and offering solutions is a valuable skill in managing up. Try to anticipate potential issues and offer solutions before they become problems. This will demonstrate your foresight and leadership skills.

7. Ask for feedback and listen actively
   Asking for feedback and listening actively is crucial in managing up. Ask your boss for feedback on your work and listen carefully to what they have to say. This will show that you value their opinion and are open to feedback. Use their feedback to improve your work and show that you are committed to your role.

   "Feedback is the breakfast of champions." - Ken Blanchard

8. Follow up and follow through
   Following up and following through is key to building trust with your boss. If you promise to do something, make sure you do it. If you don't know the answer to a question, follow up with an answer later. This will demonstrate your reliability and professionalism. In short, say what you mean and mean what you say.

9. Be flexible and adaptable
   Flexibility and adaptability are important in managing up. Be open to change and willing to adapt to new situations. This will demonstrate your agility and ability to handle challenges.

   "It is not the strongest of the species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change." - Charles Darwin

10. Take care of yourself
    Finally, taking care of yourself is crucial in managing up. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, exercise, and downtime. This will help you stay focused, energized, and productive.

In conclusion, managing up is an important skill for any software developer looking to succeed in their career. It's not always easy, but with some practice and a few helpful tips, anyone can become a master of managing up: understand your boss's goals, take ownership of your work, build a strong relationship with your boss, communicate clearly, use data to support your ideas, anticipate problems, ask for feedback, follow up, be flexible, and take care of yourself. These are the building blocks of effective management.

But don't forget to have some fun along the way! Building a strong relationship with your boss doesn't mean you can't crack a joke or share a funny story. In fact, a good sense of humor can go a long way in building rapport and easing tensions. And remember to take care of yourself - go for a walk, take a yoga class, or indulge in your favorite hobby. A happy and healthy you is the foundation for a successful career.