How to Manage Upwards (and Sideways)

Every workplace has a hierarchy. Whether you are a trainee, a colleague, or a boss (or all three!), the hierarchy can influence everything from everyday working practices to relational dynamics. However, sometimes, it can feel much harder communicating upwards than down. Factors like fear and under-confidence can lead you to speak up less and be more hesitant to discuss issues. But building trust, and putting your voice out there will benefit your team as well as you.

Today, we have two guests on You are Not a Frog: Dr Claire Edwin and Dr Keerthini Muthuswamy. They talk about their experiences working within a hierarchical system as junior doctors and share what they have found to be essential if you want to build trust and foster good relationships with your seniors, your juniors, and your peers. 

If you want to know how you can build trust and influence your workplace, and manage upwards and sideways this episode is just for you!

3 reasons why you should listen to the full episode:

1. Find out why a hierarchy can be both a help and a hindrance.
2. Overcome the barriers set down by hierarchies to influence your workplace for the better.
3. Learn how to approach conversations and which questions you can ask to build trust and good relationships with your colleagues.

Episode Highlights

• [04:56] The Impact of a Title
• [07:08] The Impact of a Hierarchy
• [09:58] The “I’m Just a Trainee” Mentality
• [14:46] Build Trust and Influence
• [18:24] The Real Problem
• [27:46] Asking and Conversing
• [36:21] What Creates Good Working Relationships
• [43:57] Relationships and Influence
• [46:12] Kit and Claire’s Top Three Tips for Managing Horizontally
• [48:01] Rachel’s Top Tips for Managing Upwards and Sideways

Resources

• Become a member of the Resilient Team Academy this June. Find a community of leaders and help your team thrive.
• Check out the Shapes Toolkit for resources that can help you thrive in your workplace.
• You are Not a Frog Episode 102: Why FAIL is Not a 4-Letter Word.
• Learn more about Red Whale Lead, Manage, Thrive! Courses
• Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In by Roger Fisher, William Ury, Bruce Patton
• Influence Without Authority by Allan Cohen and David Bradford
• Learn more about the Cohen and Bradford Influence Model
• Keerthini Muthuswamy: Twitter | email | Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management
• Claire Edwin: Twitter | email | LinkedIn | Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management

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