Managing up isn’t manipulation—it’s a leadership accelerator. In this episode, Stacey and O dive into what it really means to “manage up,” why it matters at every career stage, and how emotional intelligence turns it into a cornerstone of professional maturity. From anticipating your manager’s needs to co-creating clarity, managing up is one of the most overlooked power skills in today’s workplace.
We unpack common misconceptions and explore the psychology behind managing up as a form of collaboration, not control.
Learn how self-efficacy and social perceptiveness drive upward alignment.
Discover language shifts that signal alignment—without crossing boundaries.
Key insight: Managing up is leadership practice in real time—how you manage today shapes how you’ll lead tomorrow.
Stacey and O flip the lens to show why great leaders want people who can manage up.
Teams that practice upward communication make better decisions and retain top talent.
Hear how Indra Nooyi built a culture that welcomed challenge at PepsiCo.
Key insight: Managing up reduces overload, strengthens trust, and prepares the next generation of leaders.
The final segment ties together emotional intelligence, empathy, and professional maturity as the invisible glue of managing up.
Understand how self-regulation and relational awareness shape influence.
Real stories from P&G and LinkedIn show how empathy turns tension into collaboration.
Learn one mindset shift that instantly strengthens the upward relationship.
Key insight: Emotional intelligence transforms managing up from a tactic into a trust-building practice.
Reflect on this: Are you waiting to be managed, or are you managing the partnership?
Download the Managing Up Reflection Worksheet at businessmrl.com and subscribe for more insights on leadership psychology and real-world growth.