Page 15 - How To Answer Interview Questions (II)

Job Interview Question 2

Are you better at "managing up" or "managing down"?

Are you better at managing up or managing down? Your answer always needs to be, "I'm good at
both."

Managing up or down is all about extreme communication skills.
Here’s how this works:
If I manage up well, then:

I spend time with and talk with my manager
I understand what their goals and objectives are and make those mine, as well
I keep my manager informed of my progress on any given project so that they have confidence
that things are moving forward toward success
I know what their expectations are and make it my job to exceed them
I am proactive and try to come up with ideas and solutions to help the organization succeed. I
can’t do those things if I don’t communicate well with my manager.
If I manage down well, then:

I am a good team leader and a fantastic communicator
I understand what our goals are and how the team works within the framework to achieve those
goals
I choose great people
I clarify our team goals for them and give them room to achieve
I ask for input and I listen