Mastering Managing Up with Bestselling Author Melody Wilding

This week’s episode of Do Good to Lead Well opens with a lively exchange about the true essence of “managing up.” Our conversation focuses on Melody Wilding’s journey from her bestselling book Trust Yourself to her latest, Managing Up, revealing how self-leadership is the essential foundation for influencing those in power. Together, we explore why managing up isn’t “boss-pleasing,” but rather empowering yourself to build conditions for true success.Our discussion also dives deep into the psychology and realities of work and why “letting your work speak for itself” is no longer enough. Melody also highlights how to use visibility as a tool for advancing both your projects and your career. Several points were raised, including the power of proactive communication, the necessity of challenging outdated norms, and the reality that managing up is crucial for everyone, not just junior employees.This conversation is rich with actionable frameworks, memorable phrases (such as “power mapping” and “pocket updates”), and mindset shifts for anyone navigating complex teams and tough bosses. Tune in to reconsider what it actually means to lead well while doing it on your own terms.What You’ll Learn- Rethinking “Managing Up.”- Visibility is not vanity.- How to use questions and pattern interrupts to set effective boundaries.- Why you want to spend time Power Mapping- Communicating with different leadership styles.- Seeding advancement and compensation conversations.- The power of the “Pocket Update.”Podcast Timestamps(00:00) - The Origin Story of "Managing Up" (05:09) - Redefining Managing Up: Ownership vs. Boss-Pleasing(09:22) - Visibility, Self-Advocacy, and Career Progression(13:36) - Recognizing the Need for Discernment(14:10) - Managing Up as an Essential Senior Leadership Skill(17:14) - The Alignment Conversation and Power Mapping(24:26) - The Boundaries Conversation: Balancing Teamwork and Limits(29:35) - Managing Up to Different Boss Archetypes(44:35) – The Advancement and Money Conversations(49:58) - Everyday Visibility Opportunities and Final TakeawaysKEYWORDSPositive Leadership, Managing Up, Self-Leadership, Leadership Development, Career advancement, Navigating Workplace Dynamics, Setting Boundaries, Managing Office Politics, Stakeholder Management, Power Mapping, Visibility at Work, Executive Communication, Difficult Conversations, Dealing with Micromanagement, Workaholic Bosses, Fear-Based Leadership, Organizational Influence, Self-promotion, Assertive Communication, Advocating for Yourself, Negotiating Compensation, Strategic Advocacy, CEO Success