Management Tip of the Day: Managing Up As a Gen-Xer

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Are you having trouble viewing this email? If so, click here to see it in a web browser. HOME   |   BLOGS   |   THE MAGAZINE   |   BOOKS   |   AUTHORS   |   STORE RSS   |   Mobile JUNE 17, 2010 Managing Up As a Gen-Xer Managing up is a critical and difficult skill for any employee, but managing up and across a generation is even more challenging. If you're a Gen-Xer managed by a Boomer, try these three tips for bridging the generation gap and understanding what your Boomer boss wants from you: Communicate your preferences. Often Boomers assume that Gen-Xers are younger versions of themselves. Don't presume your boss knows what you're thinking. Instead, articulate how you like to work and what your expectations are. Take initiative. Before you ask why someone isn't doing something, ask yourself whether it's something you can take on. Boomers admire initiative. Just don't fall short on your objectives because of a new assignment. Earn your chips. Getting what you want or need largely depends on your ability to be viewed as a valuable contributor. Working hard and gaining visible wins can give you chips to trade in later. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Gen-Xers and Their Careers" on the "Ask the Expert: Tammy Erickson" board of the HBR Answer Exchange. Read the full thread and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Managing Up HBR Article Collection The best way to make a major impact in your organization? Forge a strong relationship with your boss. You'll get the support and resources you need to put your great ideas into action. "Managing up," however, isn't easy. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Steps to Make Your New Hire Productive Prepare for the Next Defining Moment 3 Cold Call Tactics that Increase Sales Use Words, Not Numbers, to Understand Your Customers How to Build Better Working Relationships with Gen Ys 3 Tips for Changing Careers Within Your Company 2 Ways to Assess Behaviors, Not Just Results 3 Ways to Boost Your Cultural Sensitivity When Your Employee is Unaware of Unspoken Rules How to Assess If You're Ready for a Global Role BEST SELLERS Guide to Persuasive Presentations HBR's 10 Must Reads: The Essentials Financial Intelligence Collection HBR's 10 Must Reads on Managing Yourself Guide to Better Business Writing Job Seekers, Take Note Whether you've been laid off or are considering a job change, HBR's Guide to Getting a Job will help ensure that your next move is the right one. Only $19.95. Buy now » UNSUBSCRIBE   |   UPDATE YOUR PROFILE   |   MORE EMAIL NEWSLETTERS   |   PRIVACY POLICY Was this email forwarded to you? If so, sign up to start receiving your own copy. ABOUT THIS MAILING LIST You have received this message because you subscribed to the "Management Tip of the Day" email newsletter from Harvard Business Review. If at any point you wish to remove yourself from this list, change your email address, or sign up for other email newsletters and alerts, please visit the Harvard Business Review Email Newsletter Preference Center. ADVERTISE WITH HBR This enewsletter is read by thousands of decision makers every day. Learn more about connecting your brand with this audience. Copyright © 2010 Harvard Business School Publishing, an affiliate of Harvard Business School. All rights reserved. Harvard Business Publishing | 60 Harvard Way | Boston, MA 02163 Customer Service: 800-545-7685 (+1-617-783-7600 outside the U.S. and Canada)