Session 4: Managing Up: Navigating Successful
Relationships (3 hours)
What exactly does it mean to "manage up?" A term
that is often oversimplified, managing up is a nu-
anced skill set that puts you in the driver's seat of
your career, while maximizing the value you deliver
to your organization. It does not involve being inau-
thentic or changing who you are at work, but
instead entails consciously and deliberately
developing positive working relationships with
those above you in the organizational structure.
In this highly interactive session, you will learn skills
to help you adapt the way you interact with some-
one who has a different work style, personality
style, and communication style than you. And im-
portantly, someone who also has different priorities
driving their actions and who holds a higher level of
power within the organization. You'll gain actionable
insights into ways to assess style differences, build
rapport, engage proactively, and handle challenging
situations with diplomacy and poise.
Topics:
■ Why "Manage Up?"
■ Assessing Your Boss's Style
■ What's in Your Locus of Control?
■ Adapting Your Style
■ Practicing "Positive Politics"
Key Takeaway:
At the end of this session you will be able to assess
style differences, build rapport, engage proactively,
and handle challenging situations with diplomacy
and poise.
Prework for session 5
Session 5: Developing Your Leadership Presence
(3 hours)
"Leadership presence" is hard to define but easy to
recognize when we see it in others — they make us
feel a certain way. We trust them and want to listen
to them; we experience them as credible, confident,
and strong. When leadership presence is missing,
that too is easy to notice. And it has a big impact on
a person's ability to influence others, get their ideas
heard, and garner respect. This session is designed
to enable individuals to develop and embody a
compelling leadership presence.
In a format that blends self-inquiry and reflection
with small and large group activities, we will exam-
ine how body language, communication style, word
choice, and personal energy intersect to create the
impression you make on others. We will demysti-
fy the concept of leadership presence, breaking
it down into four discrete components: purpose,
perspective, poise, and projection. How do we
translate our passion into action? In what ways does
our mindset impact our ability to regulate our emo-
tions? Building upon the foundation of their unique
attributes, talents, and strengths, participants will
learn concrete skills to elevate their influence and
make a lasting impact as leaders.
Topics:
■ What is "Leadership Presence?"
■ Your Reputation Versus Your Personal Brand
■ Authenticity, Mindfulness, and Presence
■ Exploring the Four Ps: Purpose, Perspective,
Poise, and Projection
Key Takeaway:
At the end of this session, you will be able to
embody a compelling leadership presence.
Program Conclusion
The program concludes with a 60 minute 1-1
coaching session. Participants receive targeted
feedback and finalize their action plans to success-
fully "launch" into the next phase of their careers.
Individually, participants will discuss with their
managers their key learnings and what opportunities
they have to apply their new knowledge into
their work.
