Knowing your managers style

In last weeks newsletter I went into detail with tips for being able to manage up well. I provided tips and guidance but I also learnt that some of the best things you can do to effectively manage well, you also need to understand your managers leadership style.

By knowing how they manage and what they will be looking for will help you to really provide some excellent information or key things they know well.

In this weeks newsletter I want to dive into the different styles of leadership and what are some of the characteristics they bring with some tips for you in how to manage upwards.

Hopefully you will find this useful!

Different leadership styles and how to manage up

There are a number of different leadership styles and what I will cover will be the major ones. There are a number of different ones but the most common are:

• Autocratic

• Democratic

• Laissez Faire

• Servant

• Transactional

Something for you to think about is what style of leadership do you most commonly defer too? Maybe more on that in another newsletter…

Autocratic Leader

Characteristics

• Makes decisions unilaterally.

• Prefers control and clear directives.

Managing Up Tips:

Be Direct: Provide concise, well-prepared information.

Follow Procedures: Adhere to established protocols and show respect for their authority.

Deliver Results: Focus on meeting targets and demonstrating competence.

Democratic Leader

Characteristics:

• Values team input.

• Encourages collaboration and open communication.

Managing Up Tips:

Participate Actively: Share your ideas and insights.

Seek Feedback: Regularly ask for and act on feedback.

Foster Collaboration: Show how your contributions align with team goals.

Transformational Leader

Characteristics:

• Inspires and motivates through vision.

• Focuses on innovation and change.

Managing Up Tips:

Align with Vision: Show how your work supports their strategic goals.

Be Proactive: Take initiative and propose innovative solutions.

Show Enthusiasm: Demonstrate commitment and passion for the mission.

Transactional Leader

Characteristics:

• Emphasizes clear structures and rewards.

• Focuses on performance and results.

Managing Up Tips:

Meet Expectations: Clearly understand and meet performance metrics.

Communicate Progress: Regularly update on your progress and achievements.

Seek Rewards: Understand their reward system and strive for excellence.

Laissez-Faire Leader

Characteristics:

• Provides minimal direction.

• Encourages independence and self-management.

Managing Up Tips:

Be Self-Directed: Take ownership of your tasks and decisions.

Seek Clarity: Clarify goals and expectations when needed.

Show Initiative: Demonstrate your ability to manage projects independently.

Servant Leader

Characteristics:

• Prioritizes the needs of the team.

• Focuses on personal growth and well-being of team members.

Managing Up Tips:

Be Transparent: Communicate openly about your needs and challenges.

Seek Support: Leverage their focus on development for mentorship and resources.

Show Empathy: Demonstrate your commitment to team well-being and collaboration.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully you can see that different leadership styles have different approaches and areas they would be looking for you to lead on, develop or bring ideas to the table. By understanding more of your leaders style as a new manager will help you to begin to frame structures and rhythms that will work well for you.

My top tip for new managers, existing managers and leaders is that being clear on the expectations in the role, when and where does communication need to be provided is what will help you to build a strong relationship.

Richard’s Managing Up Framework

If you are not sure on the style of your leader, here are some tips for helping you manage up better through asking questions. I find the only way to clarity when you don’t know things is by seeking the outcomes.

Here are some questions that should be able to help you navigate expectations with your manager to get clarity in outcomes:

1. What does success look like in this role?

2. What will you measure me against?

3. What are the top 1-3 things that I can do to help you in your role?

4. How would you like updates?

   1. This can also cover things like format and timings too

5. How would you like ideas presented?

6. How do you like feedback? In the moment or done 1:1?

Getting the answers to some of these questions will help you to get clear in what and how you provide updates to your manager. It may well not be perfect but the answers from those questions will help you to see what leadership style your manager operates under too.

Book Recommendation

The New One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson

PS If you enjoyed this content and want to go deeper as a new manager would recommend downloading my First 90 days course FREE here

PPS If you don’t already but would like to see other things I write about follow me on LinkedIn here

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