Improve How You Communicate Up

In many of my past articles, I have written about the importance of management’s influence on retention, productivity, morale, and employee satisfaction. You have heard me rant and rave about how “employees don’t leave organizations, they leave their managers.”

Well, there is a flip side to that coin too.

Every team member has a responsibility to effectively communicate with his or her manager. Let me say that a little bit stronger. You are primarily responsible for making sure communication with your manager is working.

And by the way, there is a lot in it for you. You’ll have clearer expectations; you’ll be given more responsibility and visibility; you’ll earn your manager’s trust and confidence; and, you’ll help recession-proof your job.

This feature article today is less of an article and more of an opportunity for you to improve how you communicate with your manager.  Here’s how:

  1. Below is a short profile to help you assess how you are communicating with your manager. Print two copies of this profile – one for you and one for your manager.
  2. Complete the profile, and also have your manager complete the profile.
  3. Meet with your manager and compare answers. Complete the action plan on the second page of the profile.

I think you will enjoy this exercise and improve your relationship with your manager at the same time.

Click on the PDF image to download your profile

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