Managing Up

1. Managing Up • The first step is understand the manager’s MPV. • Meeting commitments and looking good • Rewards for being successful • Special interests • Customer • Technology • Not being wrong Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007

2. Manager’s MVP • Is your manager a problem solver? • Do not paint your manager in a corner. • If you how do you expect your manager to respond? Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007

3. Communicate • Know your objective. • Do not make them wrong or put them on the defensive. • Communicate as objectively as possible. • Use metrics where possible • Separate emotion from fact • Start with a problem statement. • Allow your manager to reach a conclusion Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007

4. Communicate • Know your manager’s communication style. • Written • Verbal • Frame of reference • Make sure you get feedback. Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007

5. Tools • Know your facts. • Size, Production rate, Resources, Defects • Know the critical path • Does the project have a project plan? • What is the technical lifecycle? • Present alternatives. Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007

6. What are the Project Characteristics • Size • Complexity • Amount of investment • Who are the stakeholders • What commitments have been made Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007

7. Advice • Do not make your manager wrong! • Allow them the reach the conclusion that you want them to. • Do not surprise them. • Do not keep them in the dark until the last minute. • Do not assume that they will remember what you have discussed before. Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007

8. Advice • Sometimes you will need to be a mind reader. • What has your manager left unsaid? • When you manage up you will need to assume some responsibility for both sides of the communication. Computer Engineering 203 R Smith Managing UP 12/2007