Managing Upwards

Build trust, communicate clearly, and contribute upwards with confidence.

Managing upwards is one of the most important skills in modern work – but one of the least talked about.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, unheard or unsure how to challenge upwards, you’re not alone. Managing upwards isn’t about controlling or fixing someone more senior – it’s about building a stronger, more collaborative relationship so your voice, your ideas, and your team’s needs are part of the picture.

In this practical, interactive workshop, you’ll explore what managing upwards really means. You’ll identify the key senior relationships that shape your work, assess what’s working (and what’s not), and learn tools to improve communication, trust and strategic alignment.

Through activities like relationship mapping, personality insights and strategic thinking, you’ll leave with a personalised action plan to help you manage upwards with more confidence and clarity – whatever your role.

When individuals manage upwards well, senior leaders make better decisions, teams work more efficiently, and trust grows across the organisation. Everyone wins.

What you’ll learn

What managing upwards really means – and why it matters
How to assess and improve your senior relationships
How to adapt your approach to different communication and personality styles
How to strengthen trust, visibility and alignment
How to think more strategically and connect your work to the bigger picture
How to apply the learning in real relationships at work

What makes this workshop different?

This session doesn’t assume the problem is “your boss”. It focuses on what you can do to strengthen the relationship, improve collaboration and lead with intention – no matter where you sit in the hierarchy.

Also navigating change, peers or cross-team dynamics?

This session helps you show up more confidently in your relationships with senior leaders.
If you’re preparing to lead projects, step into a broader role or work more effectively across your organisation, we recommend pairing it with our 4-hour Influencing and PersuadingManaging upwards is one of the most important skills in modern work – but one of the least talked about. workshop. It explores the psychology, strategy and communication skills needed for stakeholder buy-in and confident collaboration across teams.

we have 5 star average customer reviews on Google

Frequently Asked Questions

IS THIS WORKSHOP SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO FEEL UNCOMFORTABLE CHALLENGING SENIOR LEADERS?

Yes. Many participants join because they find it difficult to communicate upwards or raise concerns. The workshop gives simple, respectful techniques for influencing decisions, setting boundaries and working well with different leadership styles.

IS THIS WORKSHOP JUST FOR JUNIOR STAFF?

Not at all. Managing upwards matters at every level. Mid-level managers, specialists and even senior leaders need to communicate expectations, share information clearly and influence stakeholders above them.

IS THIS ABOUT DEALING WITH DIFFICULT MANAGERS?

Partly. We look at how to navigate different leadership styles, communicate clearly and create healthy working relationships. But the focus is on building confidence and clarity rather than “fixing” personalities.

HOW PRACTICAL IS THE SESSION?

Very. Participants apply the tools to real scenarios, practise new approaches and leave with concrete next steps they can use straight away.

CAN AI HELP WITH UPWARD COMMUNICATION OR INFLUENCING SENIOR LEADERS?

Yes. We share simple ways AI can support clearer messaging, better preparation and more confident communication. We also discuss where AI should not be used, especially in sensitive or high-stakes conversations, to ensure trust and authenticity remain intact.

Our Clients

Don't just take our word for it...

Frequently Asked Questions