Young individuals openly discuss their career aspirations, seeking guidance on achieving them, particularly in dealing with the challenges posed by demanding managers. The concept of "managing up" offers a solution to this predicament.
The trend focusses on enhancing relationships with superiors. This practice, trending on platforms like TikTok under the hashtag #managingup, highlights the importance of effectively navigating interactions with one's boss.
"Managing up" centres on nurturing a positive rapport with one's hierarchical superior, aiming to optimise professional growth. This connection is pivotal, as a manager's influence extends beyond the workplace; a study by the UKG Workforce Institute revealed that almost 70% of employees believe their manager's impact is comparable to that of a spouse or partner on their psychological well-being.
Constructive dialogue forms the cornerstone of effective "managing up." This involves establishing a mutual understanding of work dynamics and clarifying expectations. It's crucial to strike a balance, as complying with unreasonable demands like unpaid overtime or working during holidays might not demonstrate dedication but rather compliance. The ultimate goal of managing one's supervisor is to ensure the necessary support for better job performance, thus preventing burnout.
#managingup
Though not a novel concept, the idea of supervising one's manager has gained renewed attention on platforms like TikTok, with the hashtag #managingup accumulating over 5.6 million views.
While many TikTok coaches extol the virtues of this approach, some critics argue against it. They contend that subordinates shouldn't be tasked with improving their manager's skills; instead, it's the manager's responsibility to enhance their leadership abilities for the team's benefit.
Differing opinions also surround the potential outcomes of this method. Sceptics caution that individuals who end up managing their superiors might inadvertently assume more responsibilities and leadership roles, which may not be desired. This comes at a time when fewer workers aspire to become supervisors due to increased responsibilities and heightened difficulties, as reported in the 2023 Alan Well-Being Barometer.
The contemporary work environment presents challenges in finding competent hierarchical superiors. Thus, the "managing up" concept gains significance as it underscores the need for dialogue within organisations.
The conversation around the issue not only extends to the interactions between employees and their managers – but also those who appoint the managers. Acknowledging that supervisors also grapple with superiors fosters a more holistic approach to managing up.
