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Stop waiting for support to magically materialize.
September 30, 2024
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In an ideal world, higher-ups would instinctively and unquestioningly champion your efforts. But the truth is, your supervisor is busy juggling multiple priorities and your project may have slipped their mind. Many leaders simply don’t recognize when their advocacy is needed, how impactful it can be, or the obstacles you’re facing. So how do you manage up and ask for the help you need? There are five strategies you can try: 1) Highlight what’s in it for them 2) Offer specific ideas 3) Give your boss a spiel 4) Implement a weekly win routine 5) Leverage reciprocity.
Emily, a product manager at a video gaming company, had recently been tapped to lead a new AI workgroup. Incorporating machine learning into their game development was a major strategic direction for the firm and she felt honored to spearhead such a crucial initiative. But colleagues from other departments were slow to respond to her emails, often missing meetings or deprioritizing AI-related tasks. She told me, “My boss keeps saying to give it time. That new projects take a while to gain traction.” When Emily did manage to gather her stakeholders, she sensed a lack of urgency and buy-in. “They see this workgroup as just another burden,” Emily said. “I know we’d move faster if there was more visible support from my boss and the rest of the leadership team.”
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New!
HBR Learning
Managing Your Boss Course
Accelerate your career with Harvard ManageMentor®. HBR Learning’s online leadership training helps you hone your skills with courses like Managing Your Boss. Earn badges to share on LinkedIn and your resume. Access more than 40 courses trusted by Fortune 500 companies.
Build a productive partnership with your most important stakeholder.
