Managing Your Manager’s Expectations

Most people think management is all about leading down. But the best managers also lead up.

Knowing how to manage your manager’s expectations—without overcommitting, underdelivering, or burning out—is a skill that separates okay managers from great ones. It’s the difference between barely surviving and actively thriving in your role.

Here’s what that looks like in practice:

• You clarify priorities before diving into the work.

• You push back when something is unrealistic—but with context and solutions.

• You surface problems early instead of hiding them.

• You don’t wait for feedback—you seek it.

• You help your manager win, not just yourself.

When you manage up well, trust builds in every direction. Your team gets more clarity. Your manager gets better outcomes. You grow faster.

Ignore this and you’ll constantly be playing defense, wondering why you're out of sync, stressed, and stretched thin.

The best managers don’t just lead their teams.
They lead their relationships—with bosses, stakeholders, and peers.

Start here:

• Don’t assume your boss knows what’s on your plate—show them.

• Don’t guess their priorities—ask.

• Don’t stay silent when you’re stuck—communicate early.

You can’t control your boss. But you can manage the relationship—and that’s a power move every manager should master.