Managing Up
by John Ruh
Managing up is reverse-order form of management. The purpose is to have each individual take full responsibility for all elements of their participation in a project. It includes each detail from the beginning to the end of the project and includes a dialogue to acknowledge the completion of various tasks. These conversations are initiated by the person performing the tasks (projects), not the person managing the tasks (projects).
Initially, this form of communication may seem cumbersome and even frustrating. After some practice however, you will wonder why everyone does not use it. You will probably find it quite expansive.
First, make sure that both you and the person with whom you are making the agreement are clear as to what needs to be accomplished. Then state what you intend to accomplish and a date “by when” you intend to finish. Give yourself an extra day, if necessary. It is better to finish early than have to call and push back a deadline. Both parties should write this date into their date books.
Next, begin doing the work necessary. If you notice, at any time, the task(s) are taking longer than you had expected, contact the person with whom you have the agreement and make a new agreement regarding the completion date. The closer to the beginning of the project you make revisions to your promise, the more you establish credibility and trust. It shows you are in the process of working on the project and “owning” the importance of it. It also gives the other person time to change subsequent commitments, which may be affected by any delay. Make sure the person erases the original agreed upon date, to eliminate confusion later.
Finish the task (project) and again contact the person whom you have the agreement to report the completion. This should take place as soon as you finish. If you finish early, make sure the person erases any future deadline date.