The Crucial Skill of Managing Up for Career Advancement, According to Roberta Matuson

In a recent LinkedIn post, Roberta Matuson discusses a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of professional development: managing up. Matuson emphasizes that while strong leadership of a team is essential, it is insufficient for long-term career advancement if an individual cannot effectively navigate their relationship with their direct superior.

Matuson opens by clarifying what “managing up” entails, distinguishing it from sycophancy. She states:

“I’m not talking about being a suck-up. I’m talking about understanding how to work with your boss so effectively that your name comes up first when new opportunities appear.”

The post highlights the potential consequences of neglecting this skill. According to Matuson, failing to manage up can lead to a career plateau, even for individuals who excel at leading their own teams. She warns that this can result in stagnation or being sidelined within an organization.

The Ceiling of Unmanaged Superior Relationships

Roberta Matuson argues that without the ability to effectively work with one’s boss, professionals will inevitably encounter a career ceiling. This is a significant point, suggesting that even the most competent leaders can be held back by a failure in this specific area. As Matuson points out:

“No matter how good you are at leading your team, if you can’t manage your boss, you’ll hit a ceiling.”

This perspective underscores the idea that organizational dynamics and upward communication are as vital as direct team performance for career progression. Matuson implies that visibility and opportunity are often influenced by the relationship an employee has with their manager, beyond just their day-to-day responsibilities.

A Personal Reflection on Career Setbacks

Matuson shares a personal anecdote to underscore the importance of her message. She reveals that she herself has experienced career setbacks due to unforeseen challenges, which she believes could have been mitigated by a better understanding of managing up. She explains:

“Actually, this is the book that I needed when I became suddenly in charge. Had I read it, there’s a good chance I would not have gotten taken out by a wave I never saw coming.”

This personal reflection adds a layer of vulnerability and authenticity to her advice, making it more relatable and impactful. It serves as a powerful testament to the real-world consequences of not mastering the art of managing one’s relationship with their superior.

Call to Action and Resource Offering

The post concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to engage with her new book on the subject. Matuson is seeking Amazon reviews to reach a milestone of 50. To incentivize participation, she offers a complimentary 30-minute power coaching session to anyone who leaves a review and uses a specific hashtag.

Matuson’s insights offer a valuable perspective for professionals at all levels looking to accelerate their careers. By focusing on the often-underestimated skill of managing up, she provides a roadmap for navigating organizational politics and securing future opportunities.