Managing up Senior Executives as a Tech Lead

A vibrant, wide-screen digital art image depicting a senior executive and a tech lead in a modern office setting. The senior executive, a middle-aged Black woman, stands prominently in the foreground, exuding authority and leadership. She is dressed in a smart, colorful business suit. Behind her, slightly lower in the frame, a tech lead, a young Caucasian man wearing a casual hoodie, looks up towards her, symbolizing upward communication. The office background is bright and colorful, adding a dynamic and modern feel to the scene

Managing up is an essential skill for any tech lead. As highlighted by Ethan Evans, a retired Amazon VP, in his insightful article on managing up to executives, understanding how to interact with higher management can significantly enhance your impact and visibility in a tech organization. Here, we expand on his principles with practical tips for tech leads managing senior managers.

Understand the Executive Mindset

Understanding the mindset of senior managers is fundamental. They appreciate succinct, meaningful interactions. When preparing for discussions, distill your points into clear, impactful messages. It’s not just about being brief; it’s about being impactful in the brief interactions you have—this maximizes both your time and theirs.

Key Points:

  • Be Bright, Be Quick, Be Gone: Senior managers value efficiency. Prepare concise, actionable insights and communicate them swiftly.
  • Focus on Outcomes: They’re focused on results, not activities. Provide clear summaries and bottom-line impacts.

Preparation is Key

Preparation transforms good meetings into great ones. Gather critical data and insights to support your initiatives, anticipating the needs and questions of senior managers. This readiness not only showcases your foresight but also your commitment to the organization’s objectives.

Before meeting with an executive:

  • Compile Key Data: Ensure you have all relevant information, with data-driven results to back up your points.
  • Anticipate Questions: Prepare for potential questions they might ask, addressing them before they’re raised.

Avoid Bad Surprises

Senior executives dislike surprises that disrupt plans, especially negative ones. Stay ahead by routinely communicating updates and potential pitfalls. This isn’t just about avoiding bad news but strategically framing how you’re managing challenges proactively.

Avoiding Unpleasant Surprises:

  • Proactive Updates: Keep senior managers informed about project statuses and potential red flags.
  • Risk Management: Regularly assess risks and have contingency plans ready.

Building a Foundation of Trust

Building trust with senior management is done in the trenches of day-to-day operations. Deliver on your promises, and let your reliability be the foundation upon which trust is built. Regular, honest updates create an atmosphere of transparency, fostering deeper trust and understanding.

Hot you build up trust:

  • Consistent Performance: Deliver on commitments consistently to build credibility.
  • Transparent Communication: Be open about challenges and seek guidance without hesitation.

Keep It Simple and Strategic

Senior managers need to grasp the essence of issues without getting bogged down in details. Summarize the critical elements of projects and decisions using visuals like graphs and charts, which can often communicate more efficiently than words.

Simplifying Complex Information:

  • Summarize Details: Provide the necessary information without overwhelming them with technicalities.
  • Use Visual Aids: Graphs and charts can convey complex information quickly and effectively.

Offering Solutions, Not Problems

Always approach senior managers with solutions, not just problems. Outline possible solutions and their implications, and be ready to recommend the best action. In your communications with senior executives, it’s beneficial to follow the “Situation, Complication, Resolution” (SCR) model. This structured approach begins by clearly outlining the current situation to set the context. It then identifies a complication or challenge that disrupts this scenario. Finally, it proposes a resolution, offering a clear solution or a set of actions to resolve the identified complication.

  • Problem-Solving: Always present problems along with potential solutions.
  • Decision-Making Support: Offer options and recommend the best course of action.

You want to become successful as a tech lead? Read 5 Secret Leadership skills every Tech Leader must know

Respect the Chain of Command

Understanding when and how to communicate directly with senior executives is crucial. If you must bypass immediate supervisors, do so with transparency and for valid reasons. Keeping your manager in the loop is not just courtesy; it’s a strategic move that maintains harmony and respect within the management structure.

Navigating Hierarchies:

  • Direct Communication: If you need to bypass immediate supervisors, ensure it’s transparent and justified.
  • Inclusion is Crucial: Involve your manager in discussions to maintain trust and transparency.

Conclusion

Managing up effectively as a tech lead involves understanding senior managers’ priorities and adapting your communication and management style accordingly. By employing these strategies, you can build a robust relationship with upper management, driving both personal and organizational success.

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