Effective CRAs know how to manage up. Managing up means that you actively work to understand your supervisor’s priorities and communication style. It also means that based on your manager’s communication style, you effectively (and proactively) keep your supervisor updated with your progress. You also chase them when you need something from them and/or appropriately escalate when they are nonresponsive.

Everyone needs to know how to manage their manager. As a side note, I love it when my team members remind me that something is due or that I have missed responding to someone. It shows me that they hold the success of the team as priority #1…and I truly appreciate that.

In Part II of our discussion with Tuypeakus McKay, we address this topic from a Senior CRA’s perspective. For example, when you initially pick up a project, what is your approach to ensuring you are clear of leadership’s expectations? How do you effectively work with junior managers who have never monitored and may provide you with incorrect direction? When do you escalate your manager…and how do you do it effectively without burning bridges? What do you do when your manager isn’t responsive?

Listen to this week’s podcast as we explore all of these topics.

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