Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Colossians 3:23
When people think about career development, they often focus on managing teams or leading projects. Far less attention is given to an equally important skill: managing upwards.
The phrase can sometimes sound political or manipulative, as though it involves trying to control your manager or gain favour. In reality, healthy upward management is something very different. It is about building a productive working relationship with the person responsible for leading your team. It involves understanding how they work, communicating effectively, and helping create an environment where both of you can succeed.
When approached with faith and integrity, managing upwards reduces misunderstandings and often makes work less stressful for everyone involved. In this blog, we are going to dive into some practical tips on how to make this work.
What does managing upwards mean?
Managing upwards is the practice of intentionally working in a way that helps your manager perform their role effectively while enabling you to do your best work.
This doesn't mean constantly agreeing with your manager, hiding concerns, or taking responsibility for their mistakes. Instead, it means recognising that your success and your manager's success are often interconnected. The stronger the working relationship between you, the easier it becomes to collaborate and achieve shared goals.
At its core, managing upwards involves clear communication, reliability, trust, and a willingness to understand the pressures your manager faces. It means raising issues before they become crises and taking ownership of the things within your control.
Why it matters
A large proportion of workplace frustration comes from misaligned expectations rather than bad intentions. Employees may feel that managers are unavailable or unsupportive. Managers, meanwhile, may feel that they are receiving incomplete information, unexpected surprises, or last-minute problems. Often, neither side fully understands the pressures the other is facing.
Managing upwards helps bridge that gap. When communication improves, projects typically run more smoothly. Trust grows because both parties feel informed and respected. Small misunderstandings are addressed before they develop into larger issues.
Perhaps most importantly, managing upwards gives you greater influence over your own work experience. Rather than simply reacting to your manager's decisions, you become an active participant in building a healthier and more productive professional relationship.
Communicate proactively
One of the most valuable ways to manage upwards is by keeping your manager informed before they have to ask. Proactive communication demonstrates ownership and professionalism. Rather than waiting for formal meetings or status requests, make a habit of providing brief updates on important projects, sharing key milestones as they are achieved, and communicating any risks or delays as soon as they become apparent. If instructions are unclear, seek clarification early rather than making assumptions that could create problems later. Consistently keeping your manager informed helps build confidence in your work, reduces the likelihood of unpleasant surprises, and strengthens trust over time.
Handling disagreement well
There will inevitably be times when you disagree with a decision, but managing upwards involves learning how to express those concerns in a respectful and constructive way. Rather than reacting emotionally or becoming defensive, focus on the shared objective and communicate your perspective clearly and factually.
A helpful approach is to acknowledge the goal your manager is trying to achieve, explain your concern, and, where possible, suggest an alternative solution or ask questions that encourage further discussion. For example, you might say, "I understand we're trying to meet a tight deadline. My concern is that the current timeline may increase the risk of errors. Could we explore a phased approach instead?". Framing disagreement in this way keeps the conversation focused on achieving the best outcome rather than creating conflict, helping to build trust and demonstrate professional maturity.
A faith-based perspective
The way we communicate, support others, handle disagreements, and carry out our responsibilities provides opportunities to reflect Christ in our everyday work. We are reminded:
Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.
Ephesians 6:7
When we view our work through this lens, our motivation shifts from simply trying to please managers or advance our careers to serving God faithfully through the tasks and relationships He has entrusted to us.
This perspective can transform how we approach difficult workplace situations. Rather than focusing solely on what we are receiving from our manager, we can consider how we can contribute positively and serve with integrity. Managing upwards, therefore, becomes an opportunity to practice patience, humility, honesty, and excellence.
Practical ways to start this week
Like most workplace skills, managing upwards is best developed through small, consistent actions rather than dramatic changes. Rather than trying to change everything at once, choose one or two practical steps to focus on this week. Simple habits can have a significant impact on communication and your overall working relationship with your manager.
You might consider:
These actions may seem small, but practised consistently they can strengthen trust and contribute to a healthier and more productive working environment. Over time, these habits help create a stronger partnership with your manager while allowing you to work with greater confidence and clarity.
Managing upwards is not about flattery or office politics. At its best, it is about clear communication, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to good work. When you understand your manager's priorities and communicate proactively, you create conditions for stronger relationships and better outcomes.