The Skill Nobody Teaches Senior Leaders
The Skill Nobody Teaches Senior Leaders
The skill that gets you to senior level is rarely the one that keeps you there.
Technical ability, category knowledge, results: these get you promoted. What keeps you thriving once you're there is something almost nobody talks about. Managing up is one of the most overlooked skills in leadership, and it's rarely taught, despite being one of the biggest differentiators between senior professionals who stay visible and those who stall.
Set the cadence, don't wait for it
If you're waiting for your manager to schedule check-ins, you're already behind. Own the rhythm. A short, consistent update keeps you visible and removes the need for them to chase you.
Lead with solutions, not problems
When you bring an issue upward, bring a perspective on it too. You don't need to have the answer. You need to show you've thought past the problem.
Understand how they measure success
Your priorities and your manager's priorities are not always the same thing. Knowing what they're being measured on changes how you frame your work, your wins and your asks.
Make their blind spots your advantage
Every leader has gaps. The senior professionals who build the most trust are the ones who quietly fill those gaps without making it a performance.
Protect their time like it's your own
Concise updates, clear asks, no unnecessary escalations. The leaders who manage up well are the ones their manager trusts to handle things, because they've proven they won't create more noise than necessary.
"Your relationship with your manager is a professional relationship. It needs maintenance from both sides, including yours."
The takeaway
Managing up isn't about flattery or playing politics. It's a professional relationship that needs maintenance from both sides, including yours. The senior professionals who master it aren't working harder than everyone else. They're working in a way that makes their value visible, and that's what keeps them trusted with more.
If you're ready for a role where your ability to manage up and lead is genuinely valued, take a look at our current opportunities in fashion, retail and lifestyle.
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FAQ
What does "managing up" actually mean? Managing up means proactively shaping how you work with your manager, rather than waiting to be directed. It includes communicating clearly, understanding their priorities and making their job easier without being asked.
Why is managing up important at a senior level? At senior level, technical skill is assumed. What differentiates leaders is how well they build trust upward, since that trust often determines who gets more autonomy, bigger opportunities and stronger advocacy.
How often should I update my manager? There's no universal rule, but consistency matters more than frequency. A short, regular update is more effective than sporadic long ones, since it keeps you visible without adding to their workload.
Is managing up the same as flattery? No. Managing up is about clear communication and genuine value, not appeasement. Leaders who manage up well are trusted precisely because they don't create unnecessary noise or performative behaviour.
KEYWORD TAGS: managing up, senior leadership, leadership skills, workplace communication, career development, professional relationships, fashion careers, retail careers, leadership tips, career growth