Book SummaryManaging Up, by Mary Abbajay

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of Managing Up

Grasping and adjusting to the varied character traits of supervisors.

To skillfully manage upward, Abbajay underscores the necessity of grasping the unique characteristics and inclinations of your superior to cultivate a productive rapport. This entails identifying their main sources of motivation and understanding their preferred method of exchanging information. Recognizing the essential characteristics of your manager's personality enables you to tailor your approach and methods to better resonate with their inclinations, thus increasing your chances of success.

Assess and comprehend the work-related behavior of your manager.

Understanding the essence of effective upward management is crucial. Abbajay presents two frameworks for assessing your manager: one that assesses their inclination towards introversion or extroversion, and another that scrutinizes their unique character traits within a professional setting.

Assess whether your manager is inclined towards introversion or extroversion.

Mary Abbajay underscores the significance of grasping the nature of your boss's character, particularly where they fall on the spectrum from introversion to extroversion, as a key factor in cultivating a constructive relationship with them. The factors that motivate your manager and their favored communication styles are shaped by their inclination towards introversion or extroversion. Introverts, often referred to as Innies, are rejuvenated by internal sources and generally favor communication through writing, whereas individuals known for their inclination towards extroversion, or Outies, draw their energy from external interactions and typically prefer face-to-face communication.

A manager who is introverted may prefer brief, planned discussions or to receive updates through email. If someone is naturally outgoing and sociable, they typically prefer regular in-person interactions and thrive on collaborative idea generation with their peers. By recognizing your manager's preferences, you can tailor your communication and interaction styles to align more closely with their expectations, which in turn strengthens and improves the effectiveness of your collaborative efforts.

Recognize the four main character profiles found within a professional setting: those who begin action, those who encourage others, those who evaluate situations, and those who foster a sense of togetherness.

Abbajay presents a model that classifies supervisors into four unique categories: Advancers, Energizers, Evaluators, and Harmonizers, highlighting their individual motivations and traits.

Advancers are individuals who focus on task completion, make definitive decisions, and are strongly driven to attain results, with an emphasis on efficiency and a propensity for initiating action. Managers who are strongly inclined toward collaborative and transformative approaches, and who demonstrate a marked enthusiasm for innovation, emphasize the importance of nurturing relationships. Analytical leaders, often referred to as Evaluators, emphasize systematic methods and highly value procedures recognized for their precision and reliability. Individuals who prioritize interpersonal connections, exhibit understanding of others' feelings, and concentrate on joint endeavors are profoundly dedicated to preserving a harmonious and dispute-free atmosphere in their workplace.

Adapting the way you engage and converse with your supervisor can lead to a more harmonious alignment with their expectations and needs. Remember that individuals often exhibit traits from a variety of distinct personality categories, as Abbajay notes.

Understand the unique characteristics and driving forces behind different personality types.

Every workstyle personality is molded by unique motivations that guide their behavior, preferences, and what causes them dissatisfaction in their work setting. Abbajay underscores the significance of comprehending what motivates your superior to effectively foresee and meet their requirements.

Advancers prioritize achieving outcomes and maintaining control, with their effectiveness stemming from their efficiency and goal attainment. They favor swift action and value communication that is straightforward and concise, demonstrating a low threshold for any form of delay or inactivity. Energizers are passionate about nurturing connections and spearheading creative ideas, with the...

Managing Up Summary Strategies for successfully managing interactions with supervisors who demonstrate a variety of leadership styles.

Abbajay recognizes that certain boss behaviors are challenging and frustrating to many employees, regardless of their underlying personality. Mary Abbajay offers practical strategies for effectively managing and mitigating difficult behaviors by adeptly handling superiors.

Successfully handle the difficulties posed by demanding bosses.

Many challenging supervisors display a mix of traits that, while typically considered "normal" or even advantageous, can become problematic when overemphasized or misapplied. This misuse can transform a positive attribute into a negative one, leading to feelings of exasperation and diminished trust in one's professional capabilities.

Take active steps to reduce your manager's inclination to micromanage.

Abbajay acknowledges that managers often exhibit a frustrating characteristic, which is their inclination to oversee tasks with an overly meticulous approach. She underscores the importance of establishing a foundation based on reliability and earning trust, while also encouraging proactive behavior. Recognizing the fundamental motivations behind micromanagement, including insecurity, a penchant for precision, and fear of failure,...

Managing Up Summary Recognizing the appropriate time to resign from a position because of a detrimental dynamic between supervisor and subordinate.

Abbajay acknowledges that while the relationship between superiors and their subordinates can frequently be improved, sometimes choosing to resign is the most suitable course of action.

Assess the importance of preserving the bond between supervisor and staff member.

Before deciding to resign, it is essential to thoroughly evaluate the situation, your own needs, and the behavior of your manager. Base your decisions on a solid understanding and legitimate power.

Recognize indicators that the relationship between supervisor and subordinate is irreparable.

Mary Abbajay points out unmistakable indicators that the bond between a supervisor and their subordinate has deteriorated beyond repair. These include a consistent pattern of negativity and dread around work, harm to your mental and physical health, diminished feelings of security and assurance, and a pervasive sense that your efforts to improve the situation are futile.

She emphasizes that remaining in a harmful setting can lead to lasting impacts on both your well-being and professional trajectory, as demonstrated through Ella's ordeal involving the hostile dentist. Acknowledging these indicators enables you to...

Managing Up Summary Establishing a productive partnership with your supervisor is crucial for advancement in your professional life.

Alongside the tactics tailored to different character traits, Abbajay provides a wealth of general guidance and techniques to improve your skill in supervising those above you, leading to a more successful career.

Cultivate a constructive collaboration with your supervisor.

Building a positive and respectful relationship with your supervisor is crucial, which includes effectively handling difficult behavior.

Foster a cooperative work partnership.

Abbajay emphasizes the importance of developing a cooperative relationship with your supervisor, which should be founded on mutual respect, trust, and a shared sense of partnership. Invest time in understanding their perspective and foster open dialogue, demonstrating your commitment to their success. Embracing a cooperative strategy not only improves the workplace atmosphere but also strengthens your prospects for career progression within the organization.

Ensure that your own priorities are in harmony with those of your supervisor and the company.

Abbajay underscores the importance of aligning your personal goals with your manager's and ensuring they complement the wider goals of the organization. Take initiative...