How do you manage your manager? In other words, what steps do you take to make sure you get what you need from your boss and make both your lives easier?

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Also known as 'managing up', 'managing your manager' is a soft skill that can be developed over time. It essentially means doing whatever is necessary to make your manager's job easier. Some clear-cut benefits of managing up include increased productivity and better working relationships between boss and employee.

"I am a firm believer in the benefits of managing my manager. At the end of the day, I want to make the internal audit engagements we work on together run as smoothly as possible. One area where I really focus on is communicating and prioritizing workload on a regular basis. This ensures that I'm always working on the highest-priority items. Another thing that is crucial is understanding my manager's style. For example, do they like regular check-ins by email throughout the day, scheduled catch-up meetings, etc. Then I tailor my communication to their style."

Anonymous Answer

"I am a firm believer in open communication. Managers cannot read my mind as I cannot read theirs so I like to be led in a clear and concise manner but also have the ability to learn on my own. Knowing how my manager manages would be helpful in the process and also making it clear that my manager knows how I am best managed."

Marcie's Feedback

Communication is definitely key when it comes to manager/employee relationships. Can you talk about a time when you established a strong, communicative relationship with a manager? Also, consider mentioning some other ways you can facilitate a productive relationship with your manager; for example, by trying to understand them and their goals, being honest and empathetic, staying calm, being positive and caring, sharing your knowledge, solving problems instead of creating them, etc. Good job!

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How to Answer: How do you manage your manager? In other words, what steps do you take to make sure you get what you need from your boss and make both your lives easier?

Advice and answer examples written specifically for an Internal Auditor job interview.

3. How do you manage your manager? In other words, what steps do you take to make sure you get what you need from your boss and make both your lives easier?

How to Answer

Also known as 'managing up', 'managing your manager' is a soft skill that can be developed over time. It essentially means doing whatever is necessary to make your manager's job easier. Some clear-cut benefits of managing up include increased productivity and better working relationships between boss and employee.

Answer Example

"I am a firm believer in the benefits of managing my manager. At the end of the day, I want to make the internal audit engagements we work on together run as smoothly as possible. One area where I really focus on is communicating and prioritizing workload on a regular basis. This ensures that I'm always working on the highest-priority items. Another thing that is crucial is understanding my manager's style. For example, do they like regular check-ins by email throughout the day, scheduled catch-up meetings, etc. Then I tailor my communication to their style."

Anonymous Interview Answers with Professional Feedback

Anonymous Answer

"I am a firm believer in open communication. Managers cannot read my mind as I cannot read theirs so I like to be led in a clear and concise manner but also have the ability to learn on my own. Knowing how my manager manages would be helpful in the process and also making it clear that my manager knows how I am best managed."

Marcie's Feedback

Communication is definitely key when it comes to manager/employee relationships. Can you talk about a time when you established a strong, communicative relationship with a manager? Also, consider mentioning some other ways you can facilitate a productive relationship with your manager; for example, by trying to understand them and their goals, being honest and empathetic, staying calm, being positive and caring, sharing your knowledge, solving problems instead of creating them, etc. Good job!

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