Read the original at Lenny’s Newsletter ↗lennysnewsletter.com · subscriber post
By Lenny Rachitsky · lennysnewsletter.com · @lennysan on X · YouTube · LinkedIn
A reader asks how to manage up with a difficult manager, and the post answers with five practical tactics. The core argument is that managing up is a core skill at every level: communicate proactively, set realistic expectations, anticipate needs, re-prioritize transparently, and let great work build trust and autonomy. The post also includes job listings and weekly inspiration links, which are not part of the core advice.
Subscriber post — summary only01Key takeaways
- Over-communicate progress, plans, and blockers to your manager, for example via a brief weekly status email.
- Set realistic expectations on time, resources, and quality, since you're judged against your manager's expectations, not just results.
- Anticipate upcoming asks and problems, like planning cycles or board meetings, and start preparing early.
- When new work arrives, re-prioritize openly and confirm the updated priorities with your manager.
- Strong performance earns trust, which translates into more freedom and influence over time.
Summary and takeaways written by PM Atlas; quotes are short excerpts. © the original author.