According to Wilding (2025), “Influencing and managing upwards” in 2025 refers to “the critical skill of proactively navigating and shaping your relationship with your manager, particularly in the context of complex organizational structures, hybrid work environments, and rapidly evolving technology, where understanding and influencing your boss’s decisions is key to career advancement and achieving goals.”
As we navigate the complexities of the 2025 workplace, one skill has emerged as paramount for career success: influencing and managing upwards. This critical ability to shape relationships with superiors and navigate organisational structures has become the cornerstone of executive coaching, and for good reason.
Moreover, the rapid pace of technological advancements has made it imperative for leaders to stay abreast of emerging technologies and demonstrate how they can benefit the organisation. Leveraging digital tools effectively for communication and collaboration has become a necessity rather than an option. Additionally, the increasing complexity of organisational structures, often featuring flatter hierarchies, requires individuals to be adept at navigating multiple stakeholders and influencing decisions across different teams.
In this context, those who can master the art of managing up are better positioned to align their work with organisational goals, contribute to the overall success of their team and company, and advance their careers. The traditional top-down leadership model is giving way to more fluid, collaborative approaches. With the rise of hybrid work environments, flatter hierarchies, and lightning-fast technological advancements, the ability to effectively manage up has never been more crucial.
The Changing Face of Leadership
The modern workplace demands a new breed of leader—one who can seamlessly navigate complex organisational structures while fostering meaningful connections. As an executive coach, I’ve observed a significant shift in the skills most valued by top-tier organisations. No longer is it sufficient to excel at your job; you must also be adept at influencing those above you in the corporate hierarchy.
The Power of Proactive Communication
In 2025, proactive communication is the linchpin of successful upward management. With teams often dispersed across various locations and time zones, the onus is on individuals to keep their superiors informed and engaged. This means anticipating potential issues, providing regular updates, and clearly articulating progress and challenges.
Data-Driven Decision Making
In an era where data reigns supreme, those who can harness its power to influence decisions are at a distinct advantage. Presenting well-researched information and data-backed proposals has become a crucial aspect of managing up. By demonstrating the value of your ideas through concrete metrics, you position yourself as a strategic asset to your superiors.
Adapting to the Hybrid Work Model
The hybrid work model, now firmly entrenched in 2025, has fundamentally altered the dynamics of workplace relationships. Managing up in this context requires a nuanced understanding of digital communication tools and the ability to maintain visibility and influence, even when not physically present in the office.
Leveraging Technology
Proficiency in collaboration tools and digital platforms is no longer optional—it’s a necessity. Those who can effectively utilise technology to streamline communication and share information efficiently are better positioned to influence their superiors and drive organisational success.
The Rise of Emotional Intelligence
As we’ve progressed into 2025, emotional intelligence has become increasingly recognised as a critical leadership skill. The ability to gauge and respond appropriately to the emotions of those around you, including your superiors, is invaluable in navigating complex workplace dynamics.
Building Trust and Credibility
Consistently delivering on commitments, demonstrating expertise, and being reliable in your work are foundational elements of building trust with your superiors. This trust forms the bedrock upon which effective upward management is built.
Why Executive Coaching Focuses on Managing Up
As an executive coach, I’ve seen firsthand how mastering the art of managing up can transform careers. It’s not just about advancing your own interests; it’s about aligning your work with organisational goals and contributing to the overall success of your team and company.
Navigating Complex Organisational Structures
In 2025, many organisations have adopted flatter, less hierarchical structures. While this can foster innovation and agility, it also requires individuals to be adept at navigating multiple stakeholders and influencing decisions across different teams.
Embracing a Solution-Oriented Mindset
One of the most valuable skills in managing up is the ability to approach problems with a solution-oriented mindset. By identifying potential issues early and presenting well-thought-out solutions alongside any concerns, you position yourself as a valuable asset to your superiors.
As we continue to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of work in 2025, the ability to influence and manage upwards has become an indispensable skill. It’s no wonder that executive coaching has honed in on this crucial competency. By mastering the art of managing up, professionals can not only advance their own careers but also contribute significantly to the success of their organisations in these dynamic times.
As coaching is not an advice-giving service, these blogs are not intended to offer solutions to common leadership challenges. Instead, they are thought pieces designed to encourage the reader to think more deeply about the topic and reflect on whether it merits further exploration, either independently or with the support of a coach. If you would like to learn more about PrinsProtea coaching and how it could work for you, please feel free to contact me at https://prinsprotea.co.uk/contact-us/
Alternatively, do share this blog with anyone who might be interested in exploring Executive Coaching, understanding how it works, and discovering whether it could benefit them.
Resources:
- https://www.coachmantra.org/10-key-trends-redefining-executive-coaching-in-2025
- https://yourceomentor.com/managing-up/
- https://theglasshammer.com/2025/01/work-with-an-executive-coach-in-2025-to-help-you-reach-your-full-potential/
- https://www.ddiworld.com/blog/leadership-trends-2025
- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/2025-leadership-trends-key-insights-staying-ahead-curve-moore-kbuke
- https://www.leadersedgeinc.com/blog/a-strategic-approach-to-coaching-up-or-influencing-upwards
- https://hortoninternational.com/leadership-trends-for-2025/
- https://hbr.org/2025/01/9-trends-that-will-shape-work-in-2025-and-beyond?ab=HP-latest-text-3
- https://www.the-coaching-academy.com/blog/2024/12/set-yourself-up-for-a-successful-coaching-business-in-2025_3646
- https://arootah.com/blog/business-and-leadership/cutting-edge-leadership-trends-for-2025/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/melodywilding/2025/01/21/why-managing-up-is-the-most-critical-career-skill-in-2025/
- https://theprashantraj.medium.com/why-managing-situation-is-the-most-critical-career-skill-in-2025-8c3b1a0e63cf
- https://www.antoinetteoglethorpe.com/managing-upwards-influencing-your-supervisor/
- https://www.betterup.com/blog/the-8-tips-on-how-to-manage-up-successfully
- Image: Freepick
