You don't manage your boss. You mobilise them. Most people think progressing at work is about doing better work. It isn’t. At some point, progress depends on something else: whether your boss chooses to act on your behalf.
When it matters, promotion, opportunity, visibility... your boss is not asking: “Who deserves this?” They are asking:
- Can I trust them?
- Will this work?
- Does this help me?
- Is this easy?
That’s it. A fast, practical judgement under pressure.
You can be capable and committed and still not be chosen. Because your boss is not optimising for fairness. They are optimising for:
- reduced risk
- their own priorities
- what feels easiest to execute
If backing you feels uncertain or effortful, they won’t.
Most people ask: “How do I ask for this?” The better question is: “What would need to be true for my boss to want to say yes?” That shift changes everything.
Before you speak to your boss, answer this: Why might they hesitate? If you can’t answer that clearly, you’re not ready.
You don’t get what you want by asking better.
You get it when your boss decides it’s worth backing you.
Class Materials
Please contact Andrew here for the full archive of the Manchester Business School Executive MBA How to Manage Your Boss Workshop materials from 5th May
More resources mentioned in class. My article on how to Increase your psychological safety,
Research: Men Get More Actionable Feedback Than Women
I also have a page on Saying No , which may help you answer your questions, and related post on Visibility & Influence & Social Power for the exercise of influence in general.
Books
Articles
Please contact me here if you would like to discuss how you may go further in this topic through Coaching.
Please use the comments section at the foot of the page to suggest resources you have found useful on this topic and I'll add them for the benefit of others.