#186 | How To Manage Those Above And Below You

Feeling overwhelmed trying to juggle duties at work? One of the most useful skills I’ve learned to combat this is managing those around you. In this chat we talked about how to manage those above and below you in the workplace, so you can work smarter, not harder. Here were some takeaways from the conversation:

• Optimize for quick responses: We’ve all played the email ping pong game, right? Try framing questions for your boss or clients as yes or no. Instead of asking how they want a project outlined, suggest a structure and ask if they approve. Boom—instant clarity!
• Managing priorities: When you’re handed 10 tasks, it can feel like saying yes is the only option. Instead of committing to something you can’t follow through on, ask your manager to help you prioritize. This opens their eyes to your workload and ensures you’re working on what truly matters.
• Bring fresh ideas to the table: Being the source of cool new apps or strategies is more helpful than you may think. Sharing these with your team or boss not only shows initiative but also benefits everyone. Even if your suggestion isn’t used immediately, your proactive stance is noticed.

Think of it as a two-way street—managing both up and down keeps everything flowing well. Whether you’re shaping your communication methods or spearheading new solutions, these strategies can make handling work relationships a breeze. Keep these in your toolkit, and you’ll find things flowing smoother!

Timestamps:

09:10 How to get answers quick from your boss or client

25:42 Tips for learning how your team communicates

31:51 Why figuring out what time of day you work

33:55 How to avoid micromanaging

If You Enjoyed Today’s Episode:

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