Building trust with senior leaders isn’t about playing politics
We talk a lot about leadership in the context of managing down; inspiring teams, giving feedback, developing others.
But one of the most underrated leadership skills, especially early in your career, is learning how to manage up.
Not in a manipulative, “office politics” kind of way. In a strategic alignment kind of way.
Because here’s the thing: senior leaders aren’t mind readers. They’re juggling competing priorities, limited time, and pressure from every direction. If you can make their job easier—by anticipating needs, communicating clearly, and delivering on what matters—you don’t just earn trust. You earn influence.
So what does managing up actually look like in practice?
1. Think in outcomes, not tasks
Leaders care about why something matters. Don’t just say, “I’ve completed the report.” Say, “The report identifies three areas where we can reduce churn by 10%.”
You shift from executor to strategic partner when you connect your work to impact.
2. Communicate how they like to receive information
Some leaders want a quick Slack/Teams message. Others prefer a weekly summary. The fastest way to build trust? Meet them where they are. Adapt your communication to their style instead of expecting them to adapt to yours.
3. Anticipate needs before they’re voiced
It sounds simple, but foresight builds credibility. Notice patterns: what keeps them up at night? What do they ask for repeatedly? Thinking one step ahead shows initiative, and it’s how trust compounds over time.
4. Share problems with solutions
If you’re flagging an issue, bring a perspective or next step, even if it’s tentative. Leaders value people who think critically, not just spot problems.
5. Remember, it’s a two-way relationship
Managing up isn’t about pleasing people. It’s about partnership. When you build trust, you earn the space to influence decisions, set expectations, and advocate for what you and your team need.
You don’t have to be in senior leadership to lead strategically. You just have to understand what your leaders need, and position yourself as someone who helps them deliver it.
So ask yourself: what’s one way you can make your leader’s job easier this week while advancing your own goals in the process?
Until next time…
Mal
Founder, The Ideas Accelerator
Helping you grow your career with strategic insight and smarter tools.