How to Manage Up: The Secret to Getting Your Best Work Done

Ever notice how the calmest people at work aren't the ones waiting for perfect instructions? They're the ones who've learnt to manage up. If your brain moves fast and you need attention support, waiting around for others to guess what you need is like parking a race car at a red light. Don't wait. Instead, teach your boss, teachers, or clients exactly how to get your best work. A tiny manage-up routine—clear deadlines, quick updates, and one simple way to communicate—can turn scattered, stressful days into smooth, productive wins.

Let's clear up a major workplace myth. The myth says good employees wait patiently for their manager to figure out the best way to support them. The truth? Great employees take the lead. They design the structure they need and invite others into it. Here's your three-step playbook to make that happen.

Define Your Best Working Conditions

Start by writing one short note that defines when and how you do your best work. Think of it as your personal operating manual. For example:

• 'I focus best in the morning. Please send tasks with a one-sentence goal and a clear deadline.'
• 'I prefer written briefs over verbal instructions so I can refer back to them.'
• 'I'll confirm next steps within 24 hours of receiving a new task.'

This removes the guesswork for everyone. Your fast brain gets a clear target to lock onto, and your manager knows exactly how to set you up for success. It's not demanding—it's practical clarity.

Propose Simple Structure Others Can Say Yes To

Next, suggest a tiny routine that keeps everyone aligned without creating extra work. The key is to make it so easy that saying yes is effortless. Try this:

• A 10-minute weekly check-in (not an hour-long meeting)
• One shared to-do list or project tracker
• A standard three-bullet update format: what I did, what I'm doing, and what's blocked

This simple structure stops your brain from carrying a heavy mental load between conversations. You'll know what's expected, your manager will stay in the loop, and neither of you will waste time wondering what's happening. It's the kind of routine that turns chaos into calm collaboration.

Reset Fast When Plans Change

Plans will change—that's guaranteed. The trick is to reset quickly instead of spiralling. When priorities shift, ask two simple questions: 'What's the goal now?' and 'What's the new deadline?' Then pick the very next small step and do it. Don't overthink it.

The more you guide the process, the less you'll get pulled into last-minute scrambles. You're not being pushy. You're giving your fast brain the clear track it needs to deliver brilliant work without the chaos. The calmer you stay and the faster you adjust, the more trust you build.

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