Management Tip of the Day: Get to Know Your Boss's Boss

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 AUGUST 18, 2010 Get to Know Your Boss's Boss A smart employee knows that if her boss succeeds, good things will come: more opportunities for her unit, increased resources, and even a possible promotion to fill an open spot when her boss moves up. Help your manager thrive by researching, knowing, and respecting her boss's needs. This insight will help you understand what makes your boss effective. You can then use that information to help her shine in the mind of her boss. Forward relevant articles that your manager can send on to her manager. Seek out information or data your boss can include in her next presentation that will impress her superior. You don't need to give your manager credit for your work, but making her look good will only help you. Today's Management Tip was adapted from "Making Your Boss Look Good (Without Becoming a Sycophant)" by Michael Schrage. Read the full post and join the discussion » Share Today's Tip: RELATED PRODUCT Four Mistakes Leaders Keep Making NEW! Harvard Business Review Article Again and again, senior managers fall into four behavioral traps that thwart organizational change. The behaviors are difficult to recognize and reverse because they serve to protect egos and prevent anxiety — but executives can overcome them. ADVERTISEMENT Follow the Tip: PREVIOUS TIPS 3 Tips for Asking for a Raise 3 Steps to Take Before You Ask for a Raise Know When Multitasking Works Beat the Postrecession Blues 2 Ways to Get Your Team Engaged 3 Steps to Stop a Team Fight Know the Value of a Pat on the Back Forget Management Breakthroughs — Keep It Simple Beware of the Invisible Promotion Avoid the 3 Tendencies of Bad Bosses 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)