How to Finally Get Your Boss Off Your Back

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Managing upwards is key to building a productive relationship with your boss and taking control of your career. Yet so few of us truly master it.

Ever felt like your boss is hovering over your every move? It’s exhausting, right? The constant check-ins, the never-ending updates, the sense that they just don’t trust you to get the job done.

If you’re nodding along, you’re not alone. Many account managers are stuck in this frustrating cycle, where pressure from above makes every workday a grind.

Here’s the hard truth: if you don’t tackle this head-on, it’s only going to get worse. Stress builds, job satisfaction plummets, and before you know it, you’re stuck in a rut. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Mastering the Art of Managing Upwards

Managing upwards is about cultivating a healthy relationship with your boss. It’s not about outsmarting them; it’s about understanding their expectations and communication style so you can work together effectively.

How to Work Effectively with Your Boss

When your boss is overly involved in your day-to-day tasks, it’s usually because they need more visibility. This doesn’t mean they don’t trust you—it often means they’re under pressure and need reassurance.

It’s up to you: You can grumble about your boss, or you can take action to improve the situation. Managing upwards isn’t just about easing your workday—it’s about taking charge of your career. Improve your relationship with your boss, and you’ll gain more autonomy, build trust, and set yourself up for long-term success. The choice is yours.

Action Steps:

1. Understand Your Boss’s Style: Is your boss a micromanager, hands-off, or somewhere in between? Adjust your communication accordingly.

2. Be Proactive: Don’t wait for your boss to ask for updates. Provide concise, clear progress reports regularly.

3. Show Ownership: Take initiative in your projects. When your boss sees you’re in control, they’re more likely to step back.

For more tips, watch my latest video: 4 Game-Changing Strategies to Win Over Any Boss: Your Guide to Managing Up.

Your Invited: The Must-Have Key Account Management Handbook: Your Guide to KAM Mastery

Today, Tuesday, September 3, 2024 | 4:00 PM (BST) | 5:00 PM (CET) | 11:00 AM (EDT) | 8:00 AM (PDT)

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Ever had a client suddenly go silent? In this article, I dive into why clients ghost and offer strategies to re-engage them. Learn how to handle these situations and maintain strong relationships, even when communication breaks down.

Read the full article and turn a ghosted client into a reconnected opportunity.

This Week’s Finds

Here are a few resources that caught my eye this week, and I think you’ll find them valuable and practical.

• A Tactical Guide to Managing Up: 30 Tips from the Smartest People We Know by First Round Review: Practical tips from top leaders on managing up, including communication tactics and building trust.

• 2024 State of Mental Health in Sales Report: 70% of salespeople are struggling with mental health this year. The report shows the impact on performance and offers solutions like focusing on wellness and supportive environments.

• The Best AI Sales Tools in 2024 by ColdIQ: A massive list of 1,000+ AI tools, nicely categorized. I’m especially excited about the AI Video Prospecting solutions.

Your Action Plan

Ready to improve your relationship with your boss? Start here:

1. Identify your boss’s management style and tailor your communication.

2. Implement regular check-ins and updates to keep your boss informed.

3. Take ownership of your projects to build trust and autonomy.

Let’s wrap this up: Managing upwards isn’t just about making your work life easier; it’s about steering your career in the right direction. Understand your boss, work effectively with them, and you’ll be thriving—not just surviving.

Until next time, keep moving forward!

P.S. When you're ready, here are some ways I can help you:

1. Join The KAM Club: Get access to unmatched training, open office hours, exclusive templates, and a community of experts.

2. Try KAM Fundamentals: My 6-week training journey to build trusted advisor relationships and boost client revenue.

3. Get Career Coaching: Whether you need interview prep, first 90-day support, or help at any career stage, I offer tailored coaching programs.

4. KAM Training and Consulting Advice: If you could like to discuss key account management training programs, consulting projects and group coaching, book a 1:1 discovery call and let’s talk

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