In a recent LinkedIn post, Justin Wright explores the often-misunderstood concept of “managing up,” reframing it not as sycophancy but as a strategic form of leadership and partnership essential for career advancement.
Wright challenges the common perception that managing up involves political maneuvering or insincere flattery. Instead, he posits that it mirrors the same principles of support and development one offers to their own team.
Managing up is about serving your boss the same way you serve your team. Because when your boss succeeds, your whole team rises. Including you.
The Strategic Imperative of Supporting Your Manager
According to Wright, the core of effective upward management lies in recognizing the pressures and complexities your boss faces. He points out that leaders are often dealing with a multitude of priorities and making decisions under significant constraints.
Making Your Boss’s Life Easier
Wright argues that proactively assisting your manager in navigating these challenges can yield significant benefits for your own career. This involves understanding their workload and offering solutions rather than merely presenting problems.
Your boss is drowning in priorities. Fighting battles you’ll never see. Making decisions with half the information.
By making your manager’s job easier, you contribute to their success, which in turn, creates a more positive environment for the entire team, including yourself. Wright emphasizes that this approach is about fostering a collaborative partnership, not engaging in workplace politics.
Actionable Strategies for Effective Upward Management
To illustrate his points, Wright outlines several practical actions individuals can take to manage up effectively:
- Sending regular, concise updates.
- Proposing solutions to challenges.
- Identifying and flagging potential issues before they escalate.
As Justin Wright notes, these actions demonstrate initiative and a commitment to shared success.
Because your boss can be either your biggest champion or your biggest barrier. In most cases, you get to choose which one.
Leadership in Action
In conclusion, Wright frames “managing up” as an advanced form of leadership. He encourages professionals to view it as an opportunity to influence their career trajectory positively by strategically supporting their direct supervisor. The underlying message is that success is often a byproduct of empowering those around you, including the person who holds influence over your next promotion.
Managing up is leadership in action. Master it.
Wright invites dialogue on the topic, seeking diverse perspectives on this critical aspect of professional development.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Justin Wright on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on March 11, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →