Managing Up - by Melody Wilding (Hardcover)

About the Book

"An indispensable guide to navigating power dynamics, building effective relationships with higher-ups, and earning more authority, freedom, and confidence at work-from one of today's "most innovative career coaches" (Insider). Do you feel vulnerable to the whims of your boss, peers, or internal politics, pushing through each day with a nagging undercurrent of anxiety? Maybe you're micromanaged, interrupted in meetings, saddled with busy work, or overlooked for career opportunities. But what if you could subtly teach those above you to value your ideas and treat you with respect-without ever changing your job title? Human behavior professor and award-winning executive career coach Melody Wilding has helped thousands of clients advocate for their needs at work while navigating the minefield of office politics. In this clear, tactical guide, Wilding shows you how to operate from a position of power-even if you lack formal authority-to build the emotional intelligence, relational capital, and negotiation savvy to succeed in a world of competing stakeholders and remote work. Drawing on real-life client stories and the latest research on trust and persuasion, Managing Up distills a vital skillset into ten key conversations, including: --The Alignment Conversation: How can I get in my boss's head to understand their needs, motivations, and goals? --The Styles Conversation: Will I earn more respect from my manager if I get to the point quickly, or should I try swapping stories and building rapport? --The Boundaries Conversation: How do I say no and push back with tact when my manager saddles me with yet another task? Packed with time-tested strategies, detailed scripts, and transformative insights, this book is a must-read for professionals of all levels ready to reclaim control of their careers"--

Book Synopsis

An indispensable guide to navigating power dynamics, building effective relationships with higher-ups, and earning more authority, freedom, and confidence at work--from one of today's "most innovative career coaches" (Insider).

"Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work."--Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless

WINNER: Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (SABEW) Best in Business Book Award, Career and Financial Development

Do you feel vulnerable to the whims of your boss, peers, or internal politics, pushing through each day with a nagging undercurrent of anxiety? Maybe you're micromanaged, interrupted in meetings, saddled with busy work, or overlooked for career opportunities. But what if you could subtly teach those above you to value your ideas and treat you with respect--without ever changing your job title?

Human behavior professor and award-winning executive career coach Melody Wilding has helped thousands of clients advocate for their needs at work while navigating the minefield of office politics. In this clear, tactical guide, Wilding shows you how to operate from a position of power--even if you lack formal authority--to build the emotional intelligence, relational capital, and negotiation savvy to succeed in a world of competing stakeholders and remote work.

Drawing on real-life client stories and the latest research on trust and persuasion, Managing Up distills a vital skillset into ten key conversations, including:

- The Alignment Conversation: How can I get in my boss's head to understand their needs, motivations, and goals?
- The Styles Conversation: Will I earn more respect from my manager if I get to the point quickly, or should I try swapping stories and building rapport?
- The Boundaries Conversation: How do I say no and push back with tact when my manager saddles me with yet another task?

Packed with time-tested strategies, detailed scripts, and transformative insights, this book is a must-read for professionals of all levels ready to reclaim control of their careers.

Review Quotes

"This book helps you decode your boss's behavior and unlock the career success you deserve."--Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive, To Sell Is Human, and The Power of Regret

"A book chock-full of practical advice."--Katie Couric Media

"Wilding has accomplished something rare and invaluable, combining bigger-picture insight with concrete, practical advice to experiment with."--Sheila Heen, coauthor of Difficult Conversations and faculty at Harvard Law School

"In this sophisticated yet accessible guide, Wilding transforms what most of us learn through painful trial and error into a clear, research-backed blueprint for taking control of our professional future. She masterfully explains how to thoughtfully navigate those difficult conversations that often define our career trajectory, and turn what can be an anxiety-ridden, transactional relationship with our boss into a true partnership."--Amy Gallo, cohost of HBR's Women at Work podcast and author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)

"Finally, a science-based book that reveals how to influence others regardless of where you sit on the org chart. A resource you'll return to again and again!"--Tasha Eurich, PhD, New York Times bestselling author of Insight

"If you struggle to figure out where you stand in the workplace, you need this book . . . to take back your power and advocate for yourself with confidence."--Liz Fosslien, coauthor of Wall Street Journal bestseller No Hard Feelings and Big Feelings

"A refreshingly modern, easy-to-follow instruction manual for navigating workplace dynamics with integrity and emotional intelligence."--Dorie Clark, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty at Columbia Business School

"Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work."--Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless

"Expertly managing up is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Whether you are at the start of your career or have just stepped into a leadership position, Wilding is the perfect mentor for teaching you how to leverage your manager."--Vanessa Van Edwards, founder of Science of People and bestselling author

"Managing Up is not just a book about navigating relationships in the workplace, though it certainly is that--it's a call to arms to reclaim autonomy in your career. Whether you're just joining the workforce or a seasoned manager, there's something in this practical, empowering, and deeply-human book for you."--Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job

About the Author

Melody Wilding is a professor of human behavior at Hunter College and was recently named one of Insider's "most innovative career coaches." Her background as a therapist and emotions researcher informs her unique approach, weaving evidence-based neuroscience and psychology with professional development. She is the author of Trust Yourself.