How Do I Manage Up Without Feeling Like I’m Kissing Up?
The Next Move Podcast
Join us to learn how to scale your confidence, enhance your leadership skills, and amplify your influence. Through transformative mindset shifts, the power of expanded networks, and taking bold actions.
Orvin Kimbrough
PodcastAI
PodcastAI

How Do I Manage Up Without Feeling Like I’m Kissing Up?

E87 • Mar 29, 2026 • 10 mins

In this episode of The Next Move, Orvin Kimbrough delves into the crucial skill of managing up and its significance in leadership. He shares his personal journey from foster care to his early career, highlighting the adoption of a 'no surprises' philosophy. Orvin explores the nuances of managing up within leadership roles, focusing on balancing regular updates with fostering understanding and trust. He reframes managing up as a proactive approach to leadership, emphasizing the risks of avoiding crucial conversations. The episode includes a sponsor message about joining the Thriver's Path and a book promotion, concluding with Orvin's closing remarks and a call to action.

Key Points

  • Managing up is about ensuring clarity and alignment, not about ego stroking or appearing political.
  • Silence and avoidance can lead to misalignment and resentment, so clear communication is essential for effective leadership.
  • Managing up involves interpreting information and managing expectations to ensure that the mission and objectives are clearly understood at all levels.

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