Navigating the Equilibrium of Supervising Superiors and Subordinates: An Insightful Leadership Viewpoint
Toyna Chin, Head of Global Marketing, Novotech A Global Biotech CRO.
One of the key insights I've gained in leadership is the importance of managing relationships, both with superiors and subordinates. This two-pronged approach has played a significant role in my personal development and the organization's growth.
Managing up means comprehending your supervisor's objectives, forecasting their requirements, and adjusting your contributions to aid their success. This has necessitated active problem-solving, adapting to different communication styles, and establishing myself as a dependable trouble-shooter.
Managing down involves empowering your team. It's about providing clear instructions, offering constructive feedback, and supplying the resources needed for them to excel. A nurturing environment encourages your team and ensures alignment with broader organizational objectives.
Initially, I primarily concentrated on completing tasks, neglecting the significance of aligning with my supervisor's goals or motivating my team. Gradually, I realized that effectively managing relationships - both up and down - is more than just maintaining harmony. It's about fostering alignment, building trust, and driving collective success.
The Importance of Managing Up and Down
This holistic approach is crucial for achieving shared objectives and boosting collaboration.
Routine one-on-one meetings have been instrumental in fostering these interactions. With my team, they offer an opportunity to tackle issues, exchange ideas, and celebrate victories. When managing up, they help maintain clarity of expectations, anticipate requirements, and cultivate productive relationships with senior leaders.
Here are a few additional advantages:
1. Aligning with Company Objectives: Understanding and aligning with leadership's priorities can make your contributions more strategic.
2. Enhancing Collaboration: Maintaining open communication can improve workflows and foster better collaboration.
3. Increasing Visibility: Supporting your supervisor's objectives establishes you as a reliable partner; successfully leading your team demonstrates your ability to nurture and develop talent.
4. Encouraging a Positive Culture: When your team feels supported and motivated, and your supervisor sees you as an asset, it fosters a culture of mutual respect and achievement.
Lessons on Managing Up
Managing up has been a vital skill I've honed through trial and error. Early in my career, I focused solely on completing tasks, believing that doing good work would naturally align with my supervisor's expectations. I quickly learned that wasn't enough.
To truly make an impact, I had to understand not just what my supervisor needed but how they worked.
For example, one supervisor preferred brief, bullet-pointed updates. Another valued detailed context and data. Adapting my communication style to fit their preferences helped me meet their needs, but more importantly, it showed that I respected their time and priorities. Proactively asking questions like "How do you like to receive updates?" or "What's the most important thing on your radar right now?" helped me build a stronger working relationship.
Anticipating needs was a game-changer. I once encountered a situation where a project was facing potential delays. Instead of waiting to be asked about it, I flagged the issue early, proposed solutions, and offered a clear plan for mitigating the impact. My supervisor appreciated my proactive approach, which built trust and highlighted my understanding of their priorities and shared commitment to success.
Managing up isn't just about solving problems - it's about building credibility. Following through on commitments and being reliable are essential in earning supervisors' trust. By consistently delivering results, they will see you not as just a team member but as a trusted ally to depend on.
These lessons have shown me that managing up is as much about strengthening relationships as it is about delivering results. By focusing on communication, initiative, and dependability, you can create collaborative partnerships that drive meaningful outcomes.
Lessons on Managing Down
Managing down has been a deeply rewarding aspect of my leadership journey. It's about more than merely assigning tasks - it's about truly understanding and empowering the individuals on your team. Tailoring your approach to meet the unique needs and aspirations of each team member is essential.
For instance, I once worked with a team member who thrived on regular feedback and clear milestones. By dedicating time to provide detailed guidance and frequent check-ins, I observed their confidence and productivity soar. Conversely, I've also worked with team members who flourished with autonomy. Trusting them to handle broader responsibilities not only enhanced results but also fostered their professional growth.
Informal moments, such as a spontaneous coffee chat or unscheduled check-in, have offered some of the most enlightening opportunities to connect and comprehend my team's motivators. These interactions often shed light on what's working, what's not, and what they need to succeed.
Celebrating achievements, even small victories, has been another valuable lesson. Whether it's acknowledging them in a meeting or a personal note of appreciation, I've witnessed firsthand how recognition boosts morale and increases loyalty. These moments remind the team of their worth and reinforce our shared commitment to success.
By focusing on their development, adapting to their needs, and fostering a sense of purpose, you can develop a team environment where people feel empowered and motivated. In return, you will grow as a leader.
Conclusion
Managing up and down has helped me avoid pitfalls such as disregarding the larger picture, sticking to a one-way communication style, and micromanagement. Instead, this practice allows for a focus on relationship-building and fostering a sense of initiative within a team.
For me, mastering the art of managing both up and down has been transformative. It's not always straightforward - it requires clear communication, a strategic mindset, and a focus on building trust - but the rewards are substantial. By aligning with leadership, supporting my team, and building strong relationships at every level, I've been able to make a significant impact while establishing a foundation for personal and organizational success.
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In the context of the given text, here are two sentences that contain the words 'Toyna Chin':
Toyna Chin, as the Head of Global Marketing at Novotech A Global Biotech CRO, plays a crucial role in aligning the organization's marketing efforts with the company's objectives.
During her tenure as Head of Global Marketing, Toyna Chin has demonstrated her ability to manage up effectively, building strong relationships with senior leaders to drive collaborative success.
