Top Tip for Managing Up
When it comes to managing up as a law firm associate, here’s one of my top tips: Err on the side of communicating more than you think is necessary
Associates worry a lot about bothering people senior to them or asking “stupid” questions.
But if you’re struggling with something, it’s better to ask than spin your wheels. Even if it bothers someone temporarily.
If you’re going to need more time, it’s better to let them know earlier than at or after the deadline. Waiting until the last minute is going to bother them far more than an early communication.
And if you provide regular status updates and ask questions along the way, the people you’re working for are going to be able to tell if you need to do something different before you’ve done unnecessary work.
You can err on the side of communicating more than you think is necessary AND do it in a way that is helpful. Some examples include:
💡Consolidating your questions where possible - like sending one email with 4 questions instead of 4 separate emails
💡Being as resourceful as you can, explaining what you’ve done so far and where you’re stuck, and offering what you think the answer might be
💡Provide a status update on a bigger project before you get to the deadline and where necessary preview any issues you’re running in to or any concerns you have about meeting the deadlines
If you give someone information or ask questions, they always have the option of ignoring it or telling you to communicate less. If you don’t give the information or don’t ask the question, you’ve taken away their ability to respond and provide guidance if they want to, and you’ve taken away your opportunity to give them a better work product more quickly.
Want to learn more?
Join me for a free webinar to learn how to manage up in a way that feels good to you and that serves you:
Managing Up
Tuesday March 12 at 1pm EST
Register to attend or to get the replay:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XCKHjwWRQpefFjHiFxqOaw#/registration
