Managing Upwards Training
Our managing upwards training is a workshop style session which aims to give participants practical strategies, ideas and tips for improving how they work with their managers.
In an ideal world all managers would be highly proficient at managing their teams, but this is not always the case. Managers sometimes do not have awareness of their team’s motivators and demotivators. Development plans may bot be in place and awareness of workload and stress is missing.
The basic premise for this training is that if your manager is not managing you, you can help them by ‘managing’ them. This does not mean telling them what to do. It means helping them to give you, what you need from them. This could include feedback on your performance. It could include clear objectives and goals. And it could include support for meetings or presentations you may have.
This training equips the participants with ideas on how to manage upwards in their specific situation. We do this by tailoring the training, a point explored in more detail below.
Participants
The participants for this training is simply anyone who wants training on how to manage their manager.
Duration
This training workshop can range from a ninety minute overview to a full day session. The level of detail covered varies with the duration, as does the depth of conversation around case studies covered.
Managing Upwards Training Agenda
The following gives an overview of the agenda which we tailor to suit your needs. Each participant considers their manager and works out the best ideas suited to their situation and needs.
Personality At Work – We start by assessing your personality drivers and those of your manager. This gives us the context required to have a basic understanding of the relationship.
Communication – We look at examples of communication and how to adapt to the situation bearing in mind their work styles and what you need from them. This can include emails, meetings, Teams messages, WhatsApps etc.
Processes – The processes that may be lacking in how you are managed are covered and actions discussed as to how to get these started are reviewed.
Contracting – This is a way of establishing expectations between two or more people. You may do this with your direct reports, but it can also be used as a technique for getting what you need from your manager.
One to Ones – Using one to one conversations and driving the agenda for these can work as a method for managing your manager.
Motivational Context – Understanding your manager’s motivators and de-motivators can be key in deciding how to approach situations. Framing communication to match their motivators can be a useful technique.
Summary & Action Plan – Each participant defines their precise actions from the training.
Outcomes
The main outcome of this managing upwards training is that participants gain specific ideas on how to manage their managers. With the range of ideas covered we can never say which ideas will be most useful for each person. But we can say that at least some of the strategies and tips will be useful.
Pre-workshop
It is ideal if participants can complete our online pre-workshop questionnaires. These are the work styles model questionnaire https://itd.com/work-styles-model-questionnaire which gives insight into the role of personality in managing upwards. The second is the personal learning objectives questionnaire at https://itd.com/qsm_quiz/training-pre-workshop-questions.
Post workshop
Following the training participants are sent a pdf version of the workbook used in the session. They also have access to the trainer via email.
In-person or virtual
This training can be delivered in-person or virtually. Both have high impact and lead to excellent learning outcomes for the participants.
Number of Participants
We recommend a maximum of twelve people for this training. In line with most sessions a smaller number will give time for more tailored conversations with each participant, whereas a higher number makes the conversation more focussed on one to two case studies.
Tailoring the training to your needs
We tailor this training to suit your needs through a discussion prior to the workshop as well as talking with the participants in the session. If there are areas which need particular focus, we can accommodate these. Equally if there are areas to avoid these can be taken into account. We make sure the training does exactly what you want it to do.
Next steps
If this training workshop looks interesting, just complete the form below and we’ll be right back in touch.
Case Studies
Reviews
A truly inclusive, insightful, and empowering training
I recently attended the Working Effectively at Clifford Chance training session and found it to be an incredibly valuable and uplifting experience. One of the standout aspects was the smaller group size, which created a more inclusive environment. Everyone had the opportunity to feel seen, heard, and genuinely included in the discussions.
The session encouraged open dialogue, and participants were free to express their views and share personal experiences without hesitation. This openness was largely thanks to Martin, who facilitated the session with warmth, empathy, and professionalism. Martin fostered a safe and supportive space where people felt comfortable being honest and reflective, which made the session not only informative but also deeply engaging.
Overall, the training was a brilliant example of how thoughtful facilitation and a well-structured format can empower individuals to connect, learn, and grow together. Highly recommended!
Five-star training!
I attended Martin’s session on working effectively in the workplace and you can tell he genuinely cares about the people he is training- he was very interactive throughout, delivered super helpful takeaways (especially relevant in professional settings) and also extended candid advice on how to keep up with an incredibly fast-paced and often times challenging career environment. I highly, highly recommend Martin’s sessions if you have the opportunity to attend them, I am confident you will leave the room with more wisdom.
Bespoke Soft Skills Training for Shipboard Leadership
The Bespoke Soft Skills Training for Shipboard Leadership was very well received. Participants found the sessions engaging, practical, and highly beneficial, with appreciation expressed for the instructor’s time, travel, and expertise.
The interactive discussions and exercises were effective in applying leadership and communication concepts to real shipboard situations. Several attendees noted they could use the material to address challenges with difficult crew members.
Overall, this training was viewed as excellent, relevant, and valuable in enhancing leadership effectiveness and promoting stronger communication across the fleet.
Presenting with Impact Virtually
I recently attended the “Presenting with Impact Virtually” training workshop led by Martin Chapman, and it was a thoroughly engaging and practical experience. Martin’s delivery was professional yet friendly, making the virtual format feel interactive and enjoyable. The session was well-structured, with clear slides and practical examples. I highly recommend his training services for anyone looking to improve their presentation skills in a virtual setting.
Comprehensive and Engaging Training
I recently attended Martin’s ‘Working Effectively’ and ‘Professional Business Communication’ online training sessions and both were excellent. Martin is very engaging and ensures that participants all contribute to discussion. The sessions were very useful, drawing on real anecdotes and scenarios relevant to our level of work. I found both training sessions impactful and will carry the lessons learned into my work. Thanks Martin!
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