Introduction
In the world of work, we often focus on how to be great leaders and managers. However, the reality is that most of us will spend a significant portion of our careers as subordinates. Despite this, there's a surprising lack of guidance on how to be an excellent employee and manage the relationship with our bosses effectively. Mary Abbajay's book "Managing Up" aims to fill this gap by providing valuable insights and strategies for navigating the complex dynamics of boss-employee relationships.
This book summary will explore the key ideas presented in "Managing Up," offering practical advice on how to thrive in various workplace scenarios, regardless of your boss's personality or management style. We'll delve into strategies for dealing with different types of bosses, from introverts to extroverts, micromanagers to absentees, and even narcissists and incompetent leaders. By the end of this summary, you'll have a toolkit of techniques to help you manage up effectively, improve your work life, and boost your career prospects.
Understanding Your Boss's Personality
One of the fundamental aspects of managing up is recognizing and adapting to your boss's personality type. Abbajay identifies several key personality traits that can significantly impact your working relationship with your manager.
Introverts vs. Extroverts
The first distinction Abbajay makes is between introverted (Innie) and extroverted (Outie) bosses. Understanding which category your boss falls into can help you tailor your communication style and work approach accordingly.
Introverted Bosses (Innies)
Introverted bosses tend to:
- Focus on their own thoughts and ideas
- Share information sparingly
- Give opinions only when asked
- Interact less with colleagues
- Take time to reflect before making decisions
- Respond slowly to queries
If you're working for an introverted boss, consider these strategies:
- Be proactive in arranging one-on-one meetings
- Keep interactions focused on tasks at hand
- Avoid being too chatty or overwhelming them with information
- Give them time to process information before expecting a response
Extroverted Bosses (Outies)
Extroverted bosses typically:
- Focus on the external world and relationships
- Share information freely, sometimes excessively
- Express their thoughts and opinions readily
- Interact frequently with staff
- Make decisions quickly
- Respond promptly to queries
When managing up to an extroverted boss:
- Be prepared for frequent interactions and communication
- Show interest and actively listen when they speak
- Offer your opinions, even if you're not entirely sure
- Be comfortable with thinking out loud and open communication
Harmonizers vs. Advancers
Another important distinction Abbajay makes is between Harmonizer and Advancer personalities.
Harmonizer Bosses
Harmonizer bosses prioritize:
- Creating a positive work environment
- Building strong relationships among team members
- Ensuring colleagues are happy and in sync
- Maintaining a relaxed atmosphere
When working with a Harmonizer boss:
- Focus on team cohesion and harmony
- Resolve conflicts directly with colleagues rather than involving the boss
- Emphasize the overall team's well-being in your interactions
- Be prepared to handle some tasks independently, as they may avoid confrontation
Advancer Bosses
Advancer bosses are characterized by:
- A strong focus on results and goal achievement
- Less emphasis on building friendly relationships
- Confidence, efficiency, and pragmatism
- A reputation for being demanding and sometimes cold
To manage up to an Advancer boss:
- Be solution-oriented when presenting problems
- Have multiple solutions ready when approaching them with issues
- Focus on proposals rather than complaints
- Be prepared for a fast-paced, results-driven work environment
Dealing with Challenging Boss Types
While understanding your boss's personality is crucial, Abbajay also addresses strategies for managing particularly challenging types of bosses.
The Micromanager
Micromanagers are characterized by:
- Constant oversight of employees' work
- Detailed explanations of how to perform tasks, even when unnecessary
- Inflexibility in accepting alternative methods
- Frequent check-ins and progress updates
To manage a micromanaging boss:
- Understand their motivations: Micromanagers often act out of fear and insecurity.
- Build trust: Consistently deliver high-quality work to prove your reliability.
- Overcommunicate: Provide detailed updates on your progress and activities.
- Be patient: Trust-building takes time, but it can lead to more autonomy.
The Absentee Boss
Absentee bosses are characterized by:
- Minimal presence and interaction with subordinates
- Lack of guidance and support
- Infrequent communication about expectations or feedback
When dealing with an absentee boss:
- Maintain your work ethic: Don't let their absence affect your performance.
- Take initiative: Step up to fill leadership gaps when appropriate.
- Seek guidance elsewhere: Build relationships with other leaders or mentors in the organization.
- Document your achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments for performance reviews.
The Narcissist Boss
Narcissistic bosses often display:
- An inflated sense of self-importance
- A need for constant admiration and praise
- A tendency to hold grudges against those who challenge them
- A focus on their own success rather than team achievements
Strategies for managing a narcissistic boss:
- Recognize potential benefits: Narcissists often rise to positions of power and influence.
- Show exaggerated respect and deference in conversations.
- Frame disagreements carefully, acknowledging their authority first.
- Focus on how your work contributes to their success.
The Incompetent Boss
Incompetent bosses may:
- Focus on irrelevant tasks
- Avoid making decisions
- Fail to communicate effectively
- Consistently miss deadlines
To manage an incompetent boss:
- Approach with empathy: Consider the pressures they may be facing.
- Identify their strengths: Look for areas where they excel and can contribute.
- Offer support: Find ways to assist them without undermining their authority.
- Document your work: Keep clear records of your achievements and decisions.
When to Walk Away
While Abbajay provides strategies for managing various boss types, she also acknowledges that sometimes the best course of action is to leave a toxic work environment. Signs that it may be time to move on include:
- Dreading work consistently, especially on Sunday evenings
- Spending more energy on office politics than actual work
- Feeling physically or mentally drained by your work environment
- Noticing a significant decline in your performance or motivation
It's important to recognize that staying in a detrimental work situation can have long-lasting negative effects on your career and well-being. While it may feel like quitting is giving up, sometimes it's the most strategic move for your professional growth and personal happiness.
Key Takeaways and Practical Advice
Observe and adapt: Pay attention to your boss's communication style, decision-making process, and priorities. Adapt your approach accordingly.
Build trust: Consistently deliver high-quality work and meet deadlines to establish yourself as a reliable team member.
Communicate effectively: Tailor your communication style to your boss's preferences, whether that means more frequent updates or more concise interactions.
Take initiative: Look for opportunities to support your boss and fill leadership gaps when appropriate.
Manage your emotions: Stay professional and composed, even when dealing with difficult personalities or situations.
Seek growth opportunities: Look for ways to learn and develop your skills, even in challenging work environments.
Know your limits: Recognize when a work situation is becoming toxic and be prepared to make a change if necessary.
Build a support network: Develop relationships with colleagues, mentors, and other leaders in your organization.
Document your achievements: Keep a record of your accomplishments and contributions for performance reviews and future job searches.
Practice self-care: Maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize your mental and physical well-being.
Conclusion
"Managing Up" by Mary Abbajay provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the complex world of boss-employee relationships. By understanding different personality types and management styles, employees can develop strategies to work more effectively with their superiors, regardless of the challenges they may face.
The book emphasizes the importance of adaptability, communication, and self-awareness in managing up successfully. It also recognizes that while many difficult situations can be improved through thoughtful strategies, there are times when the best course of action is to seek new opportunities elsewhere.
Ultimately, the skills and insights gained from learning to manage up effectively can contribute significantly to career success and job satisfaction. By taking an active role in shaping your relationship with your boss, you can create a more positive work environment, enhance your professional growth, and increase your value to your organization.
As you apply the lessons from "Managing Up" in your own work life, remember that managing up is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and flexibility. With practice and dedication, you can develop the skills needed to thrive in any work environment and build strong, productive relationships with your superiors throughout your career.