forbes.com
Managing Up: The Essential Skill for Career Success in the Age of Hybrid Work and AI
This article argues that 'managing up', the strategic navigation of relationships with superiors, is crucial for career success in today's complex workplace, particularly with the rise of hybrid work and AI, which create a 'visibility gap' hindering the demonstration of employee value.
- How does the increasing complexity of the modern workplace, particularly the rise of hybrid work and AI, necessitate the development of 'managing up' skills for career advancement?
- The article emphasizes the increasing importance of 'managing up'—strategically navigating relationships with superiors—in today's complex workplace, highlighting how it's crucial for career success and peace of mind. It challenges the traditional focus on solely improving individual attributes, advocating for understanding and influencing others' psychology. The author introduces the concept of a 'visibility gap' caused by hybrid work, where employees' full contributions are not always seen by those in power.
- What are the specific challenges created by the 'visibility gap' in hybrid work environments, and how can employees effectively overcome them to demonstrate their value to decision-makers?
- The text argues that mastering 'managing up' is essential because leaders are increasingly stressed and distracted, making clear communication and strategic relationship building necessary for getting buy-in and resources. The rise of AI further underscores the value of human interaction skills in navigating complex workplace dynamics and influencing decision-makers. The article's central argument emphasizes that success now depends on understanding intricate power dynamics and influencing multiple stakeholders.
- What are the long-term implications of failing to master 'managing up' skills in a workplace increasingly reliant on effective interpersonal navigation and influence across multiple stakeholders?
- The article predicts a future workplace where navigating complex human dynamics is the key career differentiator, exceeding the importance of purely technical skills. This necessitates adaptability and skill in influencing multiple stakeholders, not just a direct manager, demanding understanding of diverse working styles and power structures. The author implicitly suggests that professionals should proactively develop their 'managing up' skills to gain a competitive advantage in this evolving environment.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing heavily favors the perspective of the employee seeking to manage up. The headline and introduction immediately establish a problem – the difficulty of navigating workplace relationships – and then position 'managing up' as the solution. While the article acknowledges challenges from the manager's side, the focus remains firmly on the employee's perspective and needs.
Language Bias
The article uses strong language to emphasize the importance of managing up, phrases such as "essential career skill," "crucial than ever," and "competitive advantage." While this persuasive language may be effective, it could be toned down for greater neutrality. For example, instead of "essential career skill," a more neutral phrase could be "valuable workplace skill.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the challenges of managing upwards and doesn't offer counterarguments or alternative perspectives on workplace dynamics. It could benefit from including perspectives from managers or leaders on their experiences and challenges in managing their teams, or from employees who have successfully navigated workplace dynamics without explicitly focusing on 'managing up.'
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat false dichotomy between focusing on self-improvement and managing up. While both are important, the article frames them as mutually exclusive, suggesting that one is incomplete without the other. This simplification ignores the possibility of success through a combination of internal and external strategies.
Gender Bias
The article uses gender-neutral language and doesn't exhibit overt gender bias. However, it could benefit from explicitly addressing how managing up might differ for individuals from diverse gender identities and backgrounds.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article emphasizes the importance of "managing up" to improve career prospects and job satisfaction. Improving workplace dynamics and communication skills directly contributes to better job performance and increased opportunities for professional growth, aligning with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) which promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.