Project managers often complain about how their line managers or sponsors are not available or unable to provide the support, direction, or communication they need. If this resonates with you then managing up is the best way to improve your relationship and keep the work moving ahead.
Although it might sound strange or manipulative, I have found that leaders appreciate clear communication and conciseness from their team members. This is because they are leading from the bottom. Depending on your work environment, it might be time to lead your manager or any other senior manager in your company. There could be many reasons for this, but they are usually connected in some way to allowing you to continue managing a project.
Managers are in their current position because they once were good at the job. This is usually the minimum requirement to move up. They may be great leaders in other areas. I remember working with a brilliant project sponsor. He was able to influence and communicate extremely well but had a tendency for trying to influence the details of a project when he didn’t have all the information. We had to manage that relationship to steer him toward the tasks he excelled at.
Many managers fall into bad habits as they rise up and fail to realize how their actions affect their team. This is when you might need help managing up.
Although it can be difficult to manage the chain, with some preparation you can make it work. These are some tips to help you lead your manager.
This article:
1: Give amazing feedback
2: Clarify your needs
3: Stop letting monkeys get on your back
4: Be clear, concise, and direct
5: Be solution-oriented

1: Give amazing feedback
You may have heard the expression, “Employees don’t leave companies; they leave managers.” Culture Amp’s research has proven that this is not the main reason people quit, but poor management can still influence a colleague’s decision to stay.
Why not leave a bad manager? You may want to do the same job as them one day. These are skills you should have that are better than your manager.
Communication is essential for any team. Giving feedback is an important part of communicating effectively.
First, find out if your manager accepts feedback from direct reports. If you don’t know what to do, it is a wasteful use of your time.
Your manager will let you know if they are open to feedback. You can trust that your manager will listen to you and not snap at you if you tell them to change something.
These are some quick tips to make sure your manager is more open to you.
You can give feedback in a private place. Nobody wants to be called out in the open!
Provide positive feedback before negative feedback
Discuss the benefits to the team for making a change!
Raising a problem can help them make the change.

Next: 4 Management Styles to Give Feedback
Managers who are unwilling to listen to feedback and new ideas may become distant or defensive when the subject comes up. They might blame other factors. To show empathy with them, you should reach out to the manager. Ask them for their assistance. Your leadership skills are yours.
If all else fails remember that people must be open to change in order for them to make the change. We can’t do it for them. Feedback is a simple way to give others the information they need to make a difference.
2: Clarify your needs
Everyday life has its wants and needs. This doesn’t end with the desire for a new car or the need for transportation. Sometimes we need something at work but cannot get it.