In this Episode
Zac Kilpatrick, Vice President of Global GTM Partnerships at Cribl joins Nick for this latest installment of Together at the Top. Drawing upon his 27 years of experience in the high-tech industry with a specialization in cybersecurity, Zac offers valuable insights into his career journey, the rapid expansion of Cribl, and the dynamic challenges of the tech landscape. He and Nick also discuss the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and strong business relationships, highlighting Zac’s leadership style that prioritizes transparency and collaboration.
Understanding the Importance of Managing Up
Managing up is a critical skill that can make or break your career. It’s not about kissing up to your boss or being a yes-man. It’s about building a productive working relationship with your manager, aligning with their goals, and understanding their communication style.
Why is managing up so important? Because it’s the key to unlocking your full potential and achieving success in your role. When you have a strong relationship with your manager, you’re more likely to get the support and resources you need to excel. You’re also more likely to be trusted with high-impact projects and opportunities for growth.
Building Trust with Your Manager
Gaining your manager’s trust can really open doors for you at work. With that trust, they might give you more freedom to handle tasks, back up and run with your ideas, and speak well of you higher ups.Pr## Sign bot #
So how do you build trust with your manager? It starts with being reliable and consistent. Follow through on your commitments, meet your deadlines, and communicate proactively about any challenges or roadblocks. Be transparent about your work and take ownership of your mistakes.
Aligning with Manager’s Goals
One of the biggest mistakes I see people make is assuming they know what their manager wants without actually asking. Don’t make this mistake. Take the time to understand your manager’s goals and priorities, and align your work accordingly.
Schedule a 1:1 with your manager to discuss their objectives and how you can support them. Ask questions like:
- What are your top priorities for the team this quarter?
- How can I help you achieve those goals?
- What metrics are you being measured on?
By aligning your work with your manager’s goals, you’ll demonstrate that you’re a strategic thinker who understands the bigger picture.
Adapting to Preferred Communication Styles
Everyone has a different communication style, and your manager is no exception. Some prefer frequent updates via Slack, while others prefer a weekly email summary. Some like to hash things out in person, while others prefer written proposals.
Pay attention to how your manager communicates and adapt accordingly. If they always send you calendar invites for meetings, take the hint and do the same. If they’re more of a “big picture” thinker, focus on the strategic implications of your work rather than getting bogged down in the details.
Adapting to your manager’s preferred communication style will reduce misunderstandings and build a stronger working relationship.
Effective Communication Strategies
Effective communication is the lifeblood of any successful team. But it’s not always easy, especially when working with a diverse group of people with different personalities and working styles.
Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to effective communication is to be proactive, transparent, and adaptable. Here are some strategies that have worked well for me:
Active Listening Skills
Active listening is a powerful tool for building trust and understanding with your manager and team members. It involves fully concentrating on what the other person is saying, asking clarifying questions, and providing feedback.
When you practice active listening, you show that you value the other person’s perspective and are committed to finding a solution that works for everyone. You also gain a deeper understanding of your team’s challenges and opportunities.
Regular Status Updates
One of the most important things you can do as a team member is to keep your manager informed about your progress and any roadblocks you face. This is where regular status updates come in.
I recommend setting up a weekly or bi-weekly 1:1 with your manager to discuss your priorities, progress, and any issues that need to be addressed. Come prepared with an agenda and any relevant metrics or updates.
In addition to 1:1s, consider sending a brief email update to your manager at the end of each week, summarizing your accomplishments and plans for the following week. This helps keep everyone on the same page and ensures that nothing falls through the cracks.
Constructive Feedback
Giving and receiving feedback is an essential part of any healthy team dynamic. But it’s not always easy, especially when the feedback is critical or constructive.
When giving feedback, focus on specific behaviors or actions rather than making broad generalizations. Use “I” statements to express how the behavior impacted you and offer suggestions for improvement.
When receiving feedback, keep an open mind and avoid getting defensive. Ask clarifying questions to ensure you understand the feedback, and thank the person for taking the time to share their perspective.
Think of feedback as a gift wrapped in lessons; it lets you improve personally and professionally.
Building Successful Teams
As an engineering manager, my primary responsibilities are building and leading successful teams. Over the years, I’ve learned that three key ingredients to creating a high-performing team are positive company culture, career development opportunities, and celebrating team wins.
Fostering a Positive Company Culture
Company culture is the glue that holds a team together. The shared values, beliefs, and behaviors define how we work and interact with each other.
As a leader, it’s my job to foster a positive company culture that encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. I do this by:
- Communicating the company’s mission and values clearly and consistently
- Encouraging open communication and feedback at all levels of the organization
- Promoting work-life balance and employee well-being
- Celebrating diversity and inclusivity
Employees who feel valued and supported are more likely to be engaged, productive, and loyal to the company.
Encouraging Career Development
Another key aspect of building successful teams is providing opportunities for career development. As a manager, it’s my responsibility to help my team members grow and achieve their professional goals.
I do this by:
- Providing regular feedback and coaching
- Offering training and development opportunities
- Encouraging team members to take on new challenges and responsibilities
- Supporting internal mobility and promotions
When team members feel like they’re learning and growing, they’re more likely to be engaged and committed to their work.
Celebrating Team Wins
Finally, it’s important to celebrate team wins and recognize individual contributions. We build a culture of positivity and motivation when we acknowledge and appreciate our team member’s hard work and achievements.
Some ways I celebrate team wins include:
- Sending a team-wide email or Slack message highlighting the achievement
- Giving shout-outs during team meetings or all-hands
- Offering bonuses, gift cards, or other rewards for exceptional performance
- Planning team outings or happy hours to bond and celebrate together
By celebrating team wins, we reinforce the behaviors and values that lead to success and create a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose.
Conclusion
Managing up and building successful teams is an art, but it’s one you can master. By focusing on clear communication, aligning with your manager’s goals, and fostering a positive team culture, you’ll be well on your way to leadership greatness.
Remember, it’s all about building trust, being proactive, and celebrating wins. With these strategies in your toolkit, you’ll be the leader everyone wants to work with.
