Leading From Where You Are...The Hidden Power of Managing Up in Cybersecurity

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Do you feel like your manager doesn’t trust you to do your job?

Are you constantly proving yourself, but not getting the recognition you deserve?

Are you tired of being micromanaged and not having the space to work effectively?

Are you struggling to get your ideas heard in meetings, even though you know know your ideas are solid?

If you answered "yes" to any one of these questions...you're not alone. 

Today, I want to talk about something that’s incredibly important for women in cybersecurity—and honestly, for anyone navigating their career in this field: managing up.

What is Managing Up?

Now, you might be wondering, what exactly is managing up? Simply put, managing up is the practice of building a strong working relationship with your boss or manager by understanding their goals, priorities, and concerns—and then communicating and working in a way that not only supports their needs but also positions you for success.

I’m going to touch on five reasons why managing up is critical and how to do it effectively—especially for women in cybersecurity.

In this space we know that visibility and advocacy are crucial. Women are often navigating male-dominated spaces, and whether we realize it or not, we’re constantly shaping how we’re perceived.

Managing up helps because it puts us in a proactive role—leading the dynamic with our managers, rather than just responding to it.

Why Managing Up Matters in Cybersecurity

1. Building Trust in High-Stakes Environments:
   Cybersecurity is an industry where the stakes are high. One misstep can lead to significant consequences. Managers often feel the pressure to ensure everything runs smoothly, and in that environment, they might tend to micromanage or make decisions without fully understanding what their team members bring to the table.

   Managing up allows us to build trust by being proactive—communicating our progress, challenges, and solutions before they even ask. When you take the initiative, it reassures your manager that you’re on top of things, giving them less reason to second-guess you.

2. Creating Opportunities for Growth:
   Let’s be real—sometimes in this field, it can feel like we’re constantly proving ourselves. Managing up ensures that our contributions are visible. Visibility is power. It’s about positioning ourselves not just as doers, but as strategic thinkers. When we’re clear about what we’re working on, when we solve problems proactively, and when we align our work with the larger goals of the organization, we open doors for greater responsibility and growth.

3. Navigating Micromanagement:
   Micromanagement can be frustrating, especially when you know you’re capable of handling your work without constant oversight. But here’s the thing—micromanagement often comes from a place of fear or insecurity. Your manager might feel like they need to control everything to avoid mistakes.

   By managing up, you’re addressing those concerns head-on. Schedule 1:1s with your manager and ask them what their concerns are. If they’re afraid of failure or worried about previous experiences with employees who didn’t deliver, show them that you understand their worries—but also communicate clearly what you need to be productive and successful.

4. Advocating for Your Own Boundaries:
   Cybersecurity is a demanding field, and burnout is real. When managing up, we’re not just serving the needs of our managers—we’re also advocating for ourselves. This means setting boundaries when necessary. If you’re being asked to constantly be available or take on more than is manageable, managing up can help you create the space you need to be effective without sacrificing your well-being.

   Have a conversation with your manager. Say something like, “I understand the need for updates, and I’m happy to provide those, but I also need time and space to focus and execute without constant check-ins.” Boundaries are key, and managing up gives us the power to set them.

5. Breaking the Cycle of Underrepresentation:
   Let’s not forget the bigger picture: managing up is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of underrepresentation in tech and cybersecurity. As women, and especially as women of color, we’re often underrepresented at higher levels of leadership. Managing up is a way to elevate ourselves and showcase our leadership skills, even when we’re not in a leadership role.
   By proactively aligning ourselves with organizational goals, we’re positioning ourselves as leaders in our own right—capable, strategic, and ready for more.

How to Manage Up Effectively

So, how do we manage up effectively? Here are a few strategies:

1. Understand Your Manager’s Needs:
   What are their priorities? What keeps them up at night? Having a direct conversation with them to understand their goals allows you to align your work in a way that helps them meet those objectives. When your manager sees that you understand the bigger picture, they’ll begin to trust your judgment more.

2. Communicate Proactively:
   Don’t wait until your manager asks for updates. Be the one to reach out first. Whether it’s progress reports, insights on upcoming issues, or solutions to potential problems, communicating early shows that you’re on top of things. This builds trust and makes your manager feel more at ease, which reduces the need for them to micromanage.

3. Set Clear Boundaries:
   Managing up is about creating a healthy working relationship. If your manager is overwhelming you with requests, it’s okay to set boundaries. Be respectful, but clear about what you need to succeed. Saying, “I can provide regular updates, but I need more space to manage tasks independently,” is a great way to balance their concerns with your need for autonomy.

4. Be Consistent:
   Consistency is key. If you commit to something, follow through. Managers love reliability, and when you consistently deliver on your promises, you’ll gain the trust and respect of your boss—and maybe even future opportunities to lead bigger projects.

In the End It's About Ownership

At the end of the day, managing up is about taking ownership of the dynamic between you and your manager. It’s about being proactive, setting boundaries, and ensuring that your contributions are recognized. In a field like cybersecurity, where visibility and leadership are key to career growth, managing up isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a critical skill for success.

So to all my fellow women in cybersecurity, don’t be afraid to manage up. You’ve got the skills, the knowledge, and the power to guide your career. Now, let’s make sure the world knows it.

I’d love to hear your thoughts…
Have you ever practiced managing up in your cybersecurity career? What strategies worked for you, and what challenges did you face?

Join the conversation with me over on LinkedIn and share your experiences! Together, we can help each other grow, build stronger teams, and become more effective leaders in cybersecurity.