The Real Secret to Success: Manage Up, Manage Down — No Magic Tricks Required
Ever wondered how some people “magically” rise through the ranks, leaving you wondering, How did they get there?
Or maybe you've noticed that those who lead teams effectively often do more than just delegate — they empower.
And then there's the balancing act of managing up without becoming a “yes-person” or, worse, a magician’s assistant performing tricks to divert attention.
Today’s workplace demands more than talent alone; it requires knowing how to manage in two directions — up and down. Whether you’re aiming for career growth or just seeking a smooth workflow, mastering this balance can be the key to long-term success.
The Right Way to Manage Up: It’s Not Magic — It’s Strategy
Managing up can be misunderstood as just keeping the boss happy. But, in reality, effective management is about becoming a reliable partner in progress. Think about your manager’s challenges and goals. What information do they need to make strategic decisions? What can you bring to the table to make their job smoother? Here are some tips to nail this without getting drawn into the “magic” of showmanship:
Understand Their Vision: Just as a pilot needs to know the destination to navigate turbulence, know your manager's goals and pain points. Show up with solutions to ease their load.
Be Reliable, Not Flashy: People notice those who deliver consistently, not those who perform one-off magic tricks. Instead of trying to “impress,” focus on being someone who delivers solid results time and time again.
Build Transparency: Communicate openly. If you don’t know the answer, admit it and show you’re willing to find out. Magic happens when there’s trust, not smoke and mirrors.
Remember that managing up is about aligning yourself with your manager's needs and anticipating issues before they arise. It’s about strengthening the workflow, not about mastering the art of diverting attention when things go sideways.
The Essentials of Managing Down: Lead with Empathy and Empowerment
While managing up is often about strategy, managing down is about understanding and empowering your team. It’s about recognizing that every team member brings unique strengths to the table, and your role is to create an environment where these strengths can shine. Here’s how to ensure your team feels supported and motivated to achieve their best:
Share the Big Picture: Teams perform better when they know how their efforts contribute to the larger goals. Imagine each member as a piece in a puzzle; without seeing the whole image, they can’t fit in fully.
Create a Culture of Trust, Not Fear: People thrive when they’re encouraged to learn from mistakes rather than be punished. When you lead with empathy, you inspire loyalty and a willingness to go above and beyond.
Feedback Is Fuel: Be the leader who provides constructive feedback consistently. Instead of only addressing issues in crisis mode, create a rhythm of feedback that keeps growth and improvement constant.
Tell them how to communicate with you: Don’t keep your team guessing if they are delivering to you how you understand and prefer. Tell them. You might be a “do NOT CC me in emails” kinda man, or a “Friday weekly update in this structure” kinda girl. What ever your preference, tell them, streamline the communications to you from your team so you don’t feel like you are downing in noise.
When you manage down effectively, your team feels both supported and challenged. A successful leader doesn’t just steer the ship; they empower their crew to make waves in the right direction.
Bringing It All Together: Mastering the Balance
So, how do we bring this full circle?
Let’s revisit. Managing up isn’t about “magic” or becoming a puppet to someone else’s expectations — it’s about being a reliable, strategic ally who brings out the best in their manager. Managing down isn’t about having “followers” who simply get the work done; it’s about building a team of confident, capable individuals who trust in the vision and feel empowered to grow alongside you.
When you master managing up and down, you create a ripple effect that extends beyond individual successes — you elevate the entire organisation. The best leaders don’t just rise to the top; they bring their teams with them.
Now it’s your turn: Take these insights, and start building a career — and a team — that others look up to. After all, managing up and down isn’t just a skill; it’s the foundation of leadership that lasts.