An indispensable guide to navigating power dynamics, building effective relationships with higher-ups, and earning more authority, freedom, and confidence at work—from one of today’s “most innovative career coaches” (Insider).
“Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work.”—Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless
Do you feel vulnerable to the whims of your boss, peers, or internal politics, pushing through each day with a nagging undercurrent of anxiety? Maybe you’re micromanaged, interrupted in meetings, saddled with busy work, or overlooked for career opportunities. But what if you could subtly teach those above you to value your ideas and treat you with respect—without ever changing your job title?
Human behavior professor and award-winning executive career coach Melody Wilding has helped thousands of clients advocate for their needs at work while navigating the minefield of office politics. In this clear, tactical guide, Wilding shows you how to operate from a position of power—even if you lack formal authority—to build the emotional intelligence, relational capital, and negotiation savvy to succeed in a world of competing stakeholders and remote work.
Drawing on real-life client stories and the latest research on trust and persuasion, Managing Up distills a vital skillset into ten key conversations, including:
• The Alignment Conversation: How can I get in my boss’s head to understand their needs, motivations, and goals?
• The Styles Conversation: Will I earn more respect from my manager if I get to the point quickly, or should I try swapping stories and building rapport?
• The Boundaries Conversation: How do I say no and push back with tact when my manager saddles me with yet another task?
Packed with time-tested strategies, detailed scripts, and transformative insights, this book is a must-read for professionals of all levels ready to reclaim control of their careers.
* This audiobook edition includes a downloadable PDF with diagrams and graphics.
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"In this sophisticated yet accessible guide, Wilding transforms what most of us learn through painful trial and error into a clear, research-backed blueprint for taking control of our professional future. She masterfully explains how to thoughtfully navigate those difficult conversations that often define our career trajectory, and turn what can be an anxiety-ridden, transactional relationship with our boss into a true partnership."
— Amy Gallo, cohost of HBR’s Women at Work podcast and author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)
Managing Up offers a new lens through which to view workplace relationships, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for growth. With real-world examples and clear frameworks, this book helps you decode your boss’s behavior and unlock the career success you deserve.
— Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive, To Sell is Human, and The Power of RegretA masterclass in the most critical soft skill for career success. Wilding delivers a refreshingly modern, easy-to-follow instruction manual for navigating workplace dynamics with integrity and emotional intelligence.
— Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Columbia Business SchoolFinally, a science-based book that reveals how to influence others regardless of where you sit on the org. chart. It’s a resource you’ll return to again and again!
— Dr. Tasha Eurich, New York Times bestselling author of Shatterproof, Insight, Bankable LeadershipExpertly managing up is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Whether you are at the start of your career or have just stepped into a leadership position, Wilding is the perfect mentor for teaching you how to leverage your manager.
— Vanessa Van Edwards, Founder of Science of People and bestselling authorManaging Up is not just a book about navigating relationships in the workplace, though it certainly is that—it’s a call to arms to reclaim autonomy in your career. Whether you’re just joining the workforce or a seasoned manager, there’s something in this practical, empowering, and deeply-human book for you.
— Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough JobOutstanding. Wilding’s scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work.
— Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of Essentialism and EffortlessThis book helps you decode your boss’s behavior and unlock the career success you deserve.
— Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive, To Sell Is Human, and The Power of RegretWilding has accomplished something rare and invaluable, combining bigger-picture insight with concrete, practical advice to experiment with.
— Sheila Heen, coauthor of Difficult Conversations and faculty at Harvard Law SchoolFinally, a science-based book that reveals how to influence others regardless of where you sit on the org chart. A resource you’ll return to again and again!
— Tasha Eurich, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of InsightIf you struggle to figure out where you stand in the workplace, you need this book . . . to take back your power and advocate for yourself with confidence.
— Liz Fosslien, coauthor of Wall Street Journal bestseller No Hard Feelings and Big FeelingsA refreshingly modern, easy-to-follow instruction manual for navigating workplace dynamics with integrity and emotional intelligence.
— Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty at Columbia Business SchoolExpertly managing up is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Whether you are at the start of your career or have just stepped into a leadership position, Wilding is the perfect mentor for teaching you how to leverage your manager.
— Vanessa Van Edwards, founder of Science of People and bestselling authorBe the first to write a review about this audiobook!