Last updated on Jul 18, 2024

Here's how you can keep your boss informed and manage up effectively.

In facilities engineering, effective communication is critical, especially when it involves updating your boss. Understanding how to manage up - a strategy where you help your superior be successful while also making sure your work is recognized - is essential. Here's a guide to keeping your boss in the loop without overwhelming them with details, ensuring that both you and your facilities projects thrive under well-informed leadership.

1 Set Goals

When initiating a project, align your goals with your boss's expectations. In facilities engineering, this means understanding the endgame for infrastructure projects or maintenance plans. By setting clear objectives, you can provide updates that are directly relevant to these goals. This approach not only streamlines communication but also demonstrates your strategic alignment with organizational priorities, making it easier for your boss to track progress and provide support where needed.

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Elena Scoggin

Grant Management | Project Management | Higher Ed | Research & Documentation | Cross Functional Teamwork | Content Evaluation | Schedule Management | Critical Thinking | Multitasking | Data Gathering | Reporting
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Regular, consistent communication is key. Don't be afraid to talk about any issues you're having. Your boss is there to help. Don't shy away from the difficult topics. Compiling a weekly status report can help keep your thoughts straight and your project on track.

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2 Regular Updates

Consistency is key in managing up. Establish a routine for providing updates, whether it's a weekly email or a bi-monthly report. Use this opportunity to summarize project statuses, upcoming milestones, and any challenges you're facing. Your boss will appreciate the regular insight into the facilities department's operations, and it will prevent any surprises down the line. Remember to keep these updates concise and focused on the most critical information.

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Vicente Cuevas

Undergraduate Student Engagement Manager at Syracuse University Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion & Population Health
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In my experience, consistency is key in managing up. Establish a routine for providing updates, whether it's a weekly email or a bi-monthly report. Use this opportunity to summarize project statuses, upcoming milestones, and any challenges you're facing. Your boss will appreciate the regular insight into the facilities department's operations, and it will prevent any surprises down the line. Remember to keep these updates concise and focused on the most critical information. Additionally, by consistently communicating progress and issues, you build trust and demonstrate reliability. This proactive approach can also highlight your problem-solving skills and initiative, positioning you as a valuable asset to the team.

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3 Anticipate Needs

Anticipating your boss's needs can set you apart as a proactive facilities engineer. If you're aware that they will need certain information for an upcoming meeting or decision, provide it in advance. This foresight can include potential risks to the facilities or opportunities for efficiency improvements. By anticipating and addressing these needs before they are brought to your attention, you demonstrate initiative and an understanding of the bigger picture.

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4 Speak Their Language

Communicating effectively in facilities engineering means translating technical jargon into understandable terms. When you keep your boss informed, avoid using overly technical language unless you're sure they'll understand it. Instead, explain complex engineering concepts in a way that highlights their impact on the business or the bottom line. This ensures that your boss can fully grasp the significance of your updates and make informed decisions.

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5 Offer Solutions

When presenting problems, always accompany them with potential solutions. In the world of facilities engineering, challenges are inevitable, whether it's equipment failure or budget constraints. By proactively suggesting ways to overcome these issues, you not only keep your boss informed but also demonstrate your problem-solving skills and value to the team.

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6 Feedback Loop

Establishing a feedback loop is a vital component of managing up. Encourage your boss to share their thoughts on your updates and to provide guidance on your approach. This two-way communication ensures that you remain aligned with their expectations and can adjust your strategies as necessary. It also fosters a collaborative environment where both you and your boss are actively engaged in the success of the facilities department.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Engr.Manash Chakraborty

National and overseas Experienced Electrical and Electronic Engineer
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As examples for my case when I was engaged facilities Manager over seas I have found my boss means my Manager is technically sound and open minded and experienced another nationalities but Mechanical not my field Electrical. As per my experience when any issues arises my facilities like manpower, technical issues straight way inform him and make discussion mutually. If sometime different thinking but I always explain impact then he always provides good support after discussion with our owner. Our KPI always higher that's makes him comfort level as per facilities client and also stake holders. Facilities success is depend on Boss competency also. He always delegate me properly.

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Here's how you can keep your boss informed and manage up effectively.

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Set Goals

2 Regular Updates

3 Anticipate Needs

4 Speak Their Language

5 Offer Solutions

6 Feedback Loop

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilities Engineering

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Here's how you can keep your boss informed and manage up effectively.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Set Goals

2 Regular Updates

3 Anticipate Needs

4 Speak Their Language

5 Offer Solutions

6 Feedback Loop

7 Here’s what else to consider

Facilities Engineering

Rate this article

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