As we continue to work remotely, it is important that we prioritize effective communication and collaboration with our colleagues, including those in leadership roles. One effective way to do this is by “managing up,” or proactively taking steps to ensure that our managers have the information and support they need to effectively lead and manage our team. Here are a few tips for managing up when working virtually:
#1. Communicate regularly and effectively
Regular communication with your manager is key to managing up when working virtually. This can involve setting up regular check-in meetings, sharing updates on your work, and being available to answer any questions or concerns they may have.
- Use tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, or Google Hangouts to stay in touch with your team and colleagues throughout the day. These tools allow you to send messages, share files, and hold virtual meetings.
- Use video conferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet to hold regular meetings with your team and colleagues. This will help you feel more connected and facilitate better communication.
- Schedule regular check-ins with your team and manager to stay informed about what is happening in the company and to discuss any issues or concerns.
- Keep your team informed about your progress and any challenges you are facing by sharing updates regularly.
- When communicating with your team and colleagues, make sure to use clear and concise language. This will help ensure that your message is understood and avoid misunderstandings.
- Make sure to respond to messages and emails in a timely manner. This will help you stay on top of your work and show that you are reliable and responsive.
Remember that effective communication is key to success when working virtually. Make sure to stay in touch with your team and colleagues and use clear, concise language to ensure that your message is understood.
#2. Be proactive
- Volunteer for additional tasks or projects that will allow you to take on more responsibility and show that you are proactive.
- Ask for feedback from your manager or colleagues about your work. This will show that you are proactive and willing to learn and improve.
- Set specific, achievable goals for yourself and track your progress towards achieving them. This will show that you are proactive and motivated to succeed.
- Stay in touch with your team and manager regularly to stay informed about what is happening in the company and to discuss any issues or concerns. This will show that you are proactive and engaged with your work.
- Take initiative to solve problems and address any issues that may arise. This can involve suggesting solutions to problems, identifying areas for improvement, and being proactive in addressing potential challenges before they become major issues.
Remember that being proactive is about taking initiative and actively seeking out opportunities to contribute and improve. Showing that you are proactive can help you stand out and advance in your career.
#3. Stay organized and focused
Working virtually can be challenging, so it’s important to stay organized and focused in order to manage up effectively. This can involve setting goals and priorities, creating a daily schedule, and using tools and systems to stay on track and make the most of your time.
- Set specific, achievable goals for yourself and track your progress towards achieving them. This will help you stay focused and motivated.
- Use a calendar to schedule and track your meetings, tasks, and deadlines. This will help you stay on top of your work and ensure that you are not overbooked. Ensure you are prioritizing your tasks based on risks, business value and dictated deadlines.
- Use tools like Trello, Asana, or Basecamp to organize and manage your projects. These tools allow you to create to-do lists, track progress, and collaborate with your team. Ensure that you are prioritizing your projects.
- Stay in touch with your manager and team regularly to stay informed about what is happening in the company and to discuss any issues or concerns.
- Ask for feedback from your manager about your work. This will help you understand what you are doing well and areas where you can improve.
Managing up can be challenging but staying organized and focused can help you succeed. Remember to set specific goals, use tools to stay organized, communicate regularly, seek feedback, and prioritize in order to stay on top of your work.
#4. Ask for feedback
Asking for feedback from your manager is a great way to manage up and ensure that you are meeting their expectations. This can involve asking for specific feedback on your work, requesting regular performance evaluations, and being open to constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
- Think about what specific areas you would like feedback on and prepare your request in advance.
- Be specific about what you are looking for feedback on and why it is important to you.
- Use “I” statements to express your feelings and needs. For example, “I am looking to improve my communication skills and I would appreciate your feedback on how I can do that.”
- Show appreciation for your manager’s time and willingness to provide feedback. After receiving feedback, follow up to thank your manager and discuss any actions you will take based on the feedback.
- Offer options for how you would like to receive feedback, such as in a one-on-one meeting, via email, or during a regular check-in.
- Ask your manager if there is anything you can do for them. That shows them that you are interested in what they need as well.
Asking for feedback in a professional way shows that you are committed to improving and developing your skills. Remember to be specific, use “I” statements, show appreciation, offer options, and follow up to ensure that you are communicating effectively and professionally.
#5. Be responsive and reliable
When working virtually, it’s important to be responsive and reliable in order to manage up effectively. This can involve being available and responsive to your manager’s requests and needs, following through on commitments and deadlines, and being dependable in the work you do
- Stay in touch with your manager and team regularly to stay informed about what is happening in the company and to discuss any issues or concerns.
- Make sure to meet all deadlines for projects and tasks. This will show that you are reliable and able to manage your time effectively.
- Take initiative and seek out opportunities to contribute and improve. This will show that you are proactive and engaged with your work.
- Use tools like calendars, to-do lists, and project management software to stay organized and on top of your work.
- Make sure to respond to messages and emails in a timely manner. This will show that you are reliable and responsive.
- Follow through on commitments and deliver what you promise. This will show that you are reliable and trustworthy.
Overall, being responsive and reliable is important for building trust and maintaining a positive relationship with your manager. Make sure to communicate regularly, meet deadlines, be proactive, use technology effectively, respond promptly, and follow through on commitments to show that you are reliable and responsive.
By regularly checking in with our managers and proactively addressing any concerns or needs they may have, we can not only improve our own work experiences, but also contribute to the overall success and productivity of our team. By being proactive and communicative, we can effectively “manage up” and support our managers as we work virtually together. Feel free to read my other posts regarding remote work.
Please feel free to reach out to me if you need any specialized coaching in remote or virtual work-related efforts or if you would like to engage me as a speaker on this topic at one of your future events! You can find other remote work-related posts on my Remote Worker Coaching page.
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