Whether you work in an all-female workplace or you’re the only woman on your team, navigating relationships with superiors can feel tricky. For women in tech and tech sales, there’s already enough uncertainty and discomfort without the added challenge of a strained relationship with your boss. The cliché LinkedIn quote, “You don’t work for your company, you work for your boss,” rings painfully true. Superiors can either enhance or hinder your experience at work. Instead of leaving it to chance, we can take control by mastering workplace communication strategies that help us build a more effective and positive dynamic with those above us.
Understanding the Concept of Managing Up
Managing up is one of the most effective workplace communication strategies you can develop. It means actively building a healthy, communicative, and mutually respectful relationship with your superiors. It’s not about sucking up or playing office politics—it’s about aligning expectations, advocating for yourself, and being a reliable contributor who communicates clearly and openly.
Importantly, managing up is a two-way street. It’s not just about impressing your boss but also ensuring they understand your value. When done right, it fosters a relationship where both sides benefit, allowing you to contribute meaningfully to the business and grow professionally.
Self-awareness is key to this. Understand your strengths, your areas for growth, and your professional goals. This insight helps you communicate clearly and effectively, enabling your manager to offer the right support and development opportunities.
Why Managing Up Matters in Today’s Workplace
In modern workplaces—particularly in high-paced industries like tech—learning how to manage up is critical. Here’s why mastering workplace communication strategies makes all the difference:
- Strategic Alignment When you align your goals with your manager’s priorities, you’re seen as a valuable contributor working towards shared outcomes. This builds trust and creates clarity around expectations.
- Influence and Recognition When your manager understands your capabilities, they’re more likely to trust you with key projects, vouch for you in meetings, and advocate for your growth.
- Collaboration and Culture Healthy communication between teams and managers fosters better workplace culture. Respect, transparency, and mutual understanding lead to a collaborative and psychologically safe environment.
Explore our blog on professional development strategies for more tools to elevate your workplace impact.
The Role of Communication in Managing Up
Let’s be honest—a lot of workplace conflict stems from poor communication. This is where workplace communication strategies are essential. Transparent, honest, and consistent communication is the foundation of any strong working relationship.
Active listening plays a huge role. Don’t just wait for your turn to speak—really absorb what your manager is saying. This shows respect and makes sure you understand expectations.
Non-verbal cues matter just as much. Your posture, facial expressions, and tone all convey messages, whether you realise it or not. Stay aware of your body language, especially in high-stakes conversations.
How to Build a Positive Relationship with Your Manager
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Earn Trust and Show Respect
Trust is earned through reliability and integrity. Show up, meet deadlines, take ownership of your work, and keep communication open and honest.
Respect flows both ways. Acknowledge your manager’s experience and expertise, even if you don’t always agree with their approach. Be open to feedback, and use it to grow.
- Build Rapport Through Small, Consistent Actions
Strong working relationships are often built on small, consistent efforts. Try:
- Taking a genuine interest in your manager’s goals or challenges
- Offering to help on projects that matter to them
- Celebrating their wins (and yours!) as shared successes
Remember, rapport doesn’t mean becoming best friends. It means creating a productive and respectful working dynamic.
For more ideas on how to thrive in your workplace, check out our guide to building inclusive tech teams.
Practical Workplace Communication Strategies for Managing Up
Advocate for Yourself
Don’t wait to be noticed. If you’re doing great work, say so. If you have an idea, speak up. Use data and results to back up your contributions. For example:
- Share your project success metrics
- Highlight how your approach saved time or improved results
- Show how your initiative aligns with team goals
Being vocal with evidence builds credibility and makes you top of mind for opportunities.
Navigating Difficult Conversations
Uncomfortable conversations are part of professional life. Use this four-step process:
- Schedule time: Book a meeting and let your manager know the topic beforehand.
- Prepare talking points: Keep them clear and focused.
- Communicate calmly and clearly: Be honest but respectful.
- End positively: Thank them for their time and openness.
The ability to handle tricky conversations with grace and professionalism is one of the most powerful workplace communication strategies you can master.
Overcoming Challenges When Managing Up
Dealing with Difficult Managers
Not every manager is a dream to work with. If your manager is tough to communicate with:
- Stay calm and don’t take things personally
- Document your efforts and successes
- Set boundaries while remaining professional
- Try to find shared goals you can align on
Coping in Toxic Environments
Sometimes the issue isn’t just the manager—it’s the whole environment. If you’re in a toxic workplace:
- Prioritise self-care (burnout helps no one)
- Seek mentorship and peer support
- Use your learnings to grow, even if it’s time to move on
If upward communication consistently fails, consider whether staying aligns with your long-term career goals.
Summary: Mastering the Art of Managing Up
Strong workplace communication strategies are non-negotiable for women in tech and sales who want to thrive. Managing up is about more than managing relationships—it’s about taking control of your career.
By building trust, being self-aware, advocating for yourself, and communicating with purpose, you position yourself not only to succeed, but to shape your work environment in ways that benefit you and the people around you.
Want to explore more ways to grow your impact? Read more of our blogs.