Understanding your boss's and the company's needs is one of the keys to managing up.

Some tips:

• Familiarize yourself with the key projects and initiatives that your boss is working on.
  • Where do your skills fit into them?
  • Is your boss aware of how you can help?

Don't assume that the boss knows everything you can do just because you've worked together a long time. Bring your ability to contribute to their attention.

• Evaluate how your own goals match up with your boss's.
  • Would some of your own projects hinder any of the other teams that report to your boss?

It may seem that it's your boss's responsibility to avoid such conflicts, but if you can identify any potential inefficiencies and tactfully point them out, you'll be seen as a valuable team player.

• Plan your meetings with your boss's priorities and communication style in mind. Present information in ways you know will be understood and valued by your boss.
   
• Knowing how to communicate with the boss is one of the keys to managing up.
  • Do they prefer formal or informal communication methods - memos or a heads-up in the hallway?
  • Do they prefer to be briefed in writing before meetings to avoid surprises or to brainstorm new ideas in a conference room?

You may think that your boss appreciates being "kept in the loop" continuously, but they may prefer a manager who acts more autonomously.

Pay attention to the differences between your work style and your boss's, and adapt where possible.

•  Also determine how your boss prefers to process information.
• Some like it in writing; others prefer the give-and-take provided by face-to-face or phone communication.
• Voice mail turns off some bosses, but others consider it a time-saver.
• Some bosses like paper memos, while others are more comfortable with email.

The medium is part of the message. Understand which type of media your boss prefers.
 

• Get to know who your boss's allies and enemies are within the company. By supporting your boss with the right people and avoiding any gaffes that might undermine them, .
   

• You have talents that differ from your boss's.
  • Find ways of contributing to the relationship beyond the basic competence that's expected of you. Perhaps you're an excellent writer or can forge teamwork well or resolve conflicts. These are all skills that can foster a valuable relationship with your boss.

Each partner in a relationship bears half of the responsibility for making it work. Instead of complaining that you have a bad boss, admit that you might not be managing the relationship properly, then do something about it.(Partial content by David Hakala, HR World 2008)