As Wes Kao covered this in her article, there are 3 key principles to managing up. My experiences closely mirror her thread with some minor tweaks. Expanding upon these points to update and include one additional point.
Original thread is embedded as part of this article:
I've got a secret to tell you...
— Wes Kao 🏛 (@wes_kao) October 23, 2021
Your boss is tired of being your manager.
They want you to manage them.
Managing up: How to get what you want & give your boss what they need 🧵
What are these 4 key principles?
Offer solutions, not problems
Think through the options in case of a problem scenario. While highlighting the problem, list down 3 (atleast!) options and your final recommendation.
This shows to your manager that you are proactive and solution-oriented.
Focus on the message, rephrase your requests in a positive light
Always, always think through what message you want to convey and then figure out how to communicate the message
Keep your boss in the loop
Have a weekly cadence with your manager. Share a pre-read (if the manager insists on the same) with last week's progress / wins and current week's priorities.
Highlight wins, challenges and support needed.
Follow Pyramid Principle in writing & speaking
By "Pyramid Principle", what I mean is start with the most important message first e.g. a recommendation or a decision.
This is following by the key arguments backing the recommendation or decision.
Follow the arguments with more detailed data-points if the format of the message allows so OR your manager asks for further details.
