Managing up, down & sideways

MANAGING UP, DOWN, & SIDEWAYSManagement techniques for the middle manager

MIDDLE MANAGEMENT IS THE ULTIMATE JUGGLING ROUTINE

People

Projects

Processes

THE MIDDLE MANAGER HAS UNIQUE SKILLS

Anticipates problems

Encourages leadership

Leverages the middle position

Picks battles wisely

STARTING AT THE TOP

Listen to concerns/problems

Encourage ownership of problems/processes

Facilitate solutions

Support the party lines

MOVING SIDE-TO-SIDE

Intra-divisional

Interdivisional

Teams/working Groups

WORKING YOUR WAY UP

Listen to concerns/problems

Provide solutions through process/procedure

Advocate for staff

Clarify party lines

BEST PRACTICE GOALS TO USE WITH STAFF

Become mentor/coach

Create leaders

Provide environment for free flow of information

BEST PRACTICES TO USE WITH PEERS

Be a conduit for information

Be willing to share staff and resources

Make connections & alliances

BEST PRACTICES FOR MANAGING UP

Propose ideas to be co-opted

Support critical decisions

Leverage information

Respond timely to data requests

LAST THOUGHTS

Information provision is key

It never hurts to be thought of as a team player

Become a change-agent through inquisitiveness

THANK YOU!

Jill Emery Head of

Acquisitions The University of

Texas Libraries

J.Emery@Austin.Utexas.edu