Communicating Effectively With Upper Management

Your manager doesn’t need more noise. Are you offering them clarity? Make decisions easier—become their go-to person. Managing up isn’t about sucking up—it’s about making your leader’s life easier while driving real impact. If you do this well, you gain trust, influence, and support—without chasing it. Here’s how to stand out: 1) Decode their style. Data-driven? Bring numbers. Visionary? Connect to big goals. Ops-focused? Show timelines and risks. 2) Solve problems, not just report them. Flagging an issue isn’t enough—bring 2-3 solutions with a recommendation. 3) Communicate with clarity. Use structured updates (BLUF: Bottom Line Up Front). Keep it concise and action-oriented. 4) Frame requests around impact. Need resources? Show how it helps the business, not just your workload. 5) Be consistent. Follow through, flag risks early, and own mistakes with a plan to fix them. 🚀 Pro tip: If you want leadership to support your ideas, make it easy for them to say "yes." Align with their priorities, preempt objections, and keep it simple. Sr. PMs, What’s one tactic that’s helped you manage up effectively? Drop it below! 👇

Most people think speaking to a CEO or a leader means pitching harder and talking faster. Wrong. What do they probably need? Clear, quick, and just enough context. After years of running an agency, I’ve seen the difference: The employees who get remembered are the ones who are crisp in their communication, and understand the nuances of details to be communicated. Let me explain. Lead with the headline. “Newsletter is live, CTR is 1.8% above target.” If the leader wants the backstory, they’ll probably ask. Adapt the style. Some leaders thrive on quick pings on WhatsApp, others on emailed weekly reports. The most effective communicators adapt. Email if they're comfortable, ping if its urgent. Own the ‘in-between.’ Don’t vanish between being assigned something and delivering it. Use that time to flag risks, share wins (even if small), and suggest improvements. It creates value in the long run. Take feedback with openness. A lot of young professionals feel attached when there's given feedback. Sometimes, “this could be better” really means “I want you to shine.” Respect the two-minute rule. If you can’t explain the status, risks, challenges, next steps, or the objective of the communication in under two minutes, tighten it up before you communicate. Thoughtful communication isn’t about impressing the boss, its about communicating what's truly important. It’s about making your work easier to support, your ideas easier to champion, and your value impossible to miss. I am open to discussing communication challenges that young professionals face. DM.

Your brilliant idea just got rejected by your VP. Was it the idea... or how you presented it? While at Uber I regularly worked with and communicated with senior execs. The core thing I discovered is that effective communication boils down to 3 key principles: 1. Lead with Impact → Start with your conclusion or key ask → Frame everything through the lens of business value → Use "executive summaries" - 2-3 sentences max for key points 2. Structure Creates Clarity → Follow the "Why → What → How" framework → Present options, not problems → Include clear next steps and ownership 3. Adapt Your Delivery → Match their communication preferences (email/Slack/face-to-face) → Be prepared with data to support your points → Focus on metrics that matter the most to the business Instead of finger pointing or saying "We’re not hitting our roadmap goals" Try: Ask: I need your approval by Friday to prioritize SSO and audit logs in Q1. Here’s why:  -- These features will unlock $5M in enterprise opportunities - our top 3 prospects cite these as blockers, representing 60% of our pipeline.  -- Implementation cost: $200K, projected ROI within 4 months based on current close rates.  -- Can we discuss this for 15 minutes in tomorrow's leadership meeting? Make it concise, researched, and with a clear ask. What communication strategies have worked for you when engaging with senior leadership? Share your thoughts below!

When I hear 'please manage me,' I know I have the right boss—one who treats me as a partner. The best work relationships aren’t one-sided. Great team members don’t just respond to their manager’s needs; they actively shape the dynamic, managing up to build a more effective partnership. #1. Setting Clear Expectations Tell your boss when deliverables will arrive: "I'll have the draft by Thursday at 3 PM." Also communicate what you need: "To complete this project, I need your feedback by Tuesday." This prevents misaligned expectations. #2. Providing Effective Context Give sufficient background for informed decisions without overwhelming detail. Include relevant history or strategic implications with concise instructions: "I've prepared three options. Highlighted sections need your approval." #3. The Art of Upward Feedback Avoid sounding like complaints. Frame suggestions constructively: "If you're looking to increase engagement, consider starting with updates from each person." Offer alternatives to problematic approaches: "Given our timeline, I'd suggest a beta release to gather feedback while refining the product." #4. Building a Two-Way Partnership Understand your manager's communication preferences and priorities. Do they prefer detailed emails or bullet points? Help your manager understand your working style and strengths. Effective relationships require effort from both sides. Mastering the art of managing up isn't just about making your boss's life easier—it's about creating an environment where both of you can succeed. When you proactively manage this crucial professional relationship, you position yourself as a #strategicpartner rather than simply an executor of tasks. ❓ What strategies have you found effective in managing up?