Managing Upward: The Role of Influence, Assertiveness and Empathy
Jennifer is a Customer Experience Specialist in Milwaukee. She has extensive expertise in implementations, data management and project management.
Project management involves holding project team members accountable to deadlines to ensure successful, timely completion of a project. Project managers must often manage a peer they have no authority over—or, even more daunting, manage someone above them in the organization.
Managing upward can add stress because it not only involves the need to influence, but also involves successfully navigating corporate politics. When managing upward, use these tips to manage using influence, assertiveness and empathy toward successful project completion.
1. Know your audience. Understanding your audience’s communication style is important to ensure your message will be received appropriately. Ask questions like: Do they prefer email or in-person communication? Do they want the full story or just the action items for them? Use the answers to frame the content and delivery of your message.
Understand what’s important to your audience. Do they need a reminder of the deadline only, or more communication regarding their position within the project or related to the project task? Is there potential they escalated the project task as well and are pending an important approval on their end before responding to you?
If you’re unfamiliar with your audience, ask them to confirm their style and preferences. Asking these communication questions positions you as …
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Even if you're on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there. - Will Rogers |
