Dec 2, 20243 min read

Leveraging Social Connections: Managing Up Has No Fixed Formula

As the year comes to a close, we enter a bustling time filled with reflection and vibrant networking opportunities. Many seize this moment to build connections that pave the way for career advancement in the coming year, but how do you connect with influential leaders and make an impact on your career?

Managing up isn't about competing with your boss for authority or status — it is about understanding the needs of our leaders and presenting tailored solutions that showcase our unique qualifications for recognition. Let’s explore how professionals with diverse personalities have inspired change and garnered the recognition they deserve.

Story: Two Paths to Success

At a vibrant tech company, two colleagues, Alex and Ben, exemplified the power of diverse approaches to managing up, each achieving remarkable success.

Alex, an extroverted and ambitious individual, thrived at networking events, industry dinners, and company social gatherings. He forged connections with key industry players by showcasing the company’s value and pitching potential collaborations. Through these interactions, Alex secured multiple new clients and partnerships and earned well-deserved recognition from leadership, leading to a promotion.

In contrast, Ben, an introverted and reserved professional, chose a different path. He focused on honing his technical expertise, rarely attending social events. At a significant industry expo, Ben’s team unveiled a groundbreaking project he spearheaded, earning widespread acclaim and attracting new opportunities. His dedication and technical prowess captured the attention of company leaders, resulting in his promotion.

Takeaway: Managing up has no fixed formula. Both Alex and Ben leveraged their unique strengths—social skills and technical expertise—to rise within their careers. Networking is about finding the right approach to align with your individual abilities and aspirations.

Managing Up Strategies

Understand and Solve the Leaders’ Needs

Understand the leaders’ challenges and goals before engaging with them. Offering tailored solutions, even small ones, can position you as a valuable resource.

Demonstrate Value Through Actions

Actions speak louder than words. For example:

Share insights relevant to ongoing projects.
Volunteer for tasks that address team challenges.

These efforts demonstrate reliability and build trust over time.

Contribute Meaningfully

Go beyond agreement and offer constructive ideas or unique perspectives. Thoughtful input can establish you as a valuable thinker and collaborator.

Sustaining Relationships

Building meaningful relationships is a long-term process that requires consistent effort and respect for boundaries. Bombarding leaders with constant messages may push them away. Instead, focus on thoughtful and well-timed interactions that keep you on their radar without becoming overwhelming. For example:

Congratulate them on milestones, such as promotions or project successes, with a personalized note or comment.
Share industry news or insights that align with their interests, demonstrating your engagement and understanding of their field.
Update them periodically on your progress, highlighting how their guidance or mentorship has contributed to your growth.

Consistency and quality are key. Over time, these interactions create a sense of mutual respect and trust, making it more likely they’ll think of you when opportunities arise.

Don’t Overlook Peer Networking

While managing up often takes center stage, peer networking is an equally crucial to building a professional support system. Your colleagues and industry peers can be powerful allies in your career journey.

Peer relationships are built on equality and mutual support. Collaborating on projects, sharing resources, or simply exchanging ideas can foster a sense of camaraderie. These connections often result in:

Collaborative Opportunities: Working together on projects can lead to shared success, benefiting both parties.
Cross-Industry Referrals: Peers may recommend you for roles in other departments or even other organizations.
Professional Growth: Peer relationships encourage skill-sharing, inspiring both parties to push boundaries and grow.

As time goes on, your peers may rise to influential positions, and your strong relationship with them can open unexpected doors.

Final Thoughts on Managing Up

The essence of managing up lies in creating meaningful connections —not in empty flattery or surface-level interactions. By aligning your networking approach with your strengths—whether socializing like Alex or showcasing expertise like Ben—you can achieve your career goals in a way that feels authentic.

Equally important is sustaining those relationships over time, as well as investing in peer connections that can support you in the long run. Networking is about building a community, not just climbing a ladder.

If you’d like to sharpen your networking skills, BadaB Consulting is here to help. From personalized coaching to strategic advice, we can guide you in making impactful connections. Let’s make the most of this networking season and take your career to new heights. Your professional breakthrough could be just one conversation away!