Working with Your Manager

Connect learning to your work

A practical place
to begin.

Help your manager respond to the right question

A useful update makes it easier for a manager to understand the situation and decide where their involvement is needed. This Skill Lab explores how to summarize progress, explain an obstacle and present a clear request for support. It also examines the working agreements that prevent either too little communication or unnecessary checking.

In an illustrative exercise, two assignments compete for the same period of time. Prepare an update that describes the expected results, the current commitments and the available choices. State which priority decision you need instead of reporting only that you are busy. Include the action you can take once the decision is made.

Clarify how you will work together

Discuss when your manager wants an update, which decisions you can make independently and what should be raised immediately. Check that you share the same understanding of a deadline or definition of completion. After trying the agreement, review whether it provides enough context without creating excessive reporting. This practice is useful for a new reporting relationship or an established one that has become unclear. It focuses on constructive coordination while recognizing that your manager also works within constraints and responsibilities.

Topics to explore

Your learning focus.

Start where you are

Who it’s for.

Individual contributors working with a current or new manager

Bring a workplace situation you want to approach differently. We can discuss your experience, priorities and the support that would be useful before agreeing on delivery.

Learning that fits your context

Explore your online options.

Ask about live online, self-paced or blended online learning. The available approach, content scope and schedule are agreed for your request.

Select a preference and optional participant count in your training request. You can also leave both open for discussion.