Career Strategy: 88% of professionals say “managing up” means career success

Ladders latest research study reveals that 88% of high-earning professionals surveyed say that “managing up” means career success, with 81% stating that it’s important for getting pay raises and 86% stating that it leads to promotion. So what exactly is “managing up”? 

New York, NY, March 9, 2020 – Newly released research from Ladders reveals that 79% of professionals surveyed stated that requesting and providing feedback is the most effective method of managing up — a skill that demands the best from your manager, for the sake of your company and your career. Despite these high numbers, only 74% confirmed feeling confident of their ability to manage up.

Compounding that, a mere 41% of respondents stated that they receive actionable, performance-enhancing feedback from their current manager, with only 34% saying that their manager has had a meaningful discussion about their career development in the last six months.

Fifty-eight percent stated that their manager regularly shares relevant information from higher management, while only 49% said that they meet with their boss for 1-on-1 meetings either weekly or monthly. 

 Ladders professionals responded to our “choose all that apply” and “agree/disagree” questions as follows:

“Managing up is important for my career success:”

“Managing up is important for getting raises in pay:”

“Managing up is important for getting promoted:”

“The most effective method for managing up is:”

“I am confident of my abilities in managing up:”

“I meet with my boss for a 1-on-1:”

“My manager gives me actionable feedback that helps me improve my performance:”

“My manager regularly shares relevant information from his/her manager and senior leaders:”

“My manager has had a meaningful discussion with me about career development in the last six months:”

“I am satisfied with my manager’s overall performance as a manager:”

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