How to Keep Your Manager Updated Without Overwhelming Them

A guide to managing up effectively in a fast-moving team.

DEAR STAGE 2: I’m the newest member of a 3-person marketing team, and I report to the Head of Marketing. We have a lot of projects in flight, and I’m trying to figure out the best way to keep my manager in the loop throughout the week instead of just waiting for our 1:1s and bombarding her with questions. Any advice on the best way to do this? ~MANAGING UP

DEAR MANAGING UP: Managing up (and across!) is a skill, and in the age of competing priorities and endless Slack channels, we should all take a step back and reflect on what those around us really need to know. Managing up isn’t about playing politics or making yourself look good. It’s about making your manager’s life easier while also ensuring you get the support you need to do your job well. It’s a career accelerator and an essential part of being a strong team member.

As I thought about what tactical advice I could share here, I recalled a post by Joe Staples that I’d bookmarked last year. Joe has seen firsthand how effectively managing up can create alignment, reduce friction, and build trust. His post stuck with me. The following advice is inspired by Joe’s framework.

Learn Your Manager’s Communication Style

Before deciding how to keep your manager updated, take the time to understand their working style, priorities, and communication preferences.

• How does your manager like to receive updates—quick Slack messages, emails, or live conversations?

• Do they want to be looped into small details or just the big picture?

• Are they more reactive (responding to issues as they come up) or proactive (planning ahead and setting clear goals)?

Some managers want frequent touchpoints, while others prefer a more hands-off approach. If you don’t know, ask! A simple, “What’s the best way to keep you updated on my work without overwhelming you?” can go a long way.

Be Intentional About Communication

There’s a balance between overloading your manager with information and not keeping them informed enough. Joe suggests being strategic about what, when, and how you share updates.

Structuring Updates:

• Weekly Update Email or Slack Message: At the start of the week, send a concise note outlining your key priorities, any blockers, and where you need input.

• Midweek Check-in (if needed): If something urgent comes up, flag it immediately, but keep it brief and offer solutions alongside problems.

• End-of-Week Summary: Recap completed work, highlight wins, and flag anything that still needs attention.

When You Need Help:

• Instead of dropping problems in their lap, frame them with potential solutions:
  “I’m deciding between Option A and B for the campaign strategy—do you have a preference?”

• If you’re unsure whether something is worth escalating, ask yourself:
  “Will this impact my manager’s ability to do their job or make a major decision?” If yes, flag it.

• And never let your boss be surprised hearing bad news from someone else. Inevitably something will go wrong, an experiment will fail, a project will not go as planned. Communicate proactively instead of letting them find out from someone else.

Build a Relationship Beyond the Tasks

Managing up isn’t just about logistics—it’s about building a strong relationship with your manager so they trust and advocate for you. Joe puts it simply: “Find reasons to interact with your boss. The relationship doesn’t get built without regular interactions.” A few ideas to get off on the right foot:

• Have Their Back – Speak positively about your manager when they’re not in the room. If you see a way to make their job easier, do it.

• Proactively Offer Help – If your manager is overloaded, step in where you can. “I noticed you’re swamped with the upcoming launch—I can take the first draft of the email campaign off your plate.”

• Make the Most of Your 1:1s – Instead of just giving status updates, use these meetings to discuss big-picture goals, get feedback, and align on priorities. That means you need to put in the time to prep and set an agenda.

Managing up well makes life easier for both you and your manager. It ensures you’re aligned, avoids unnecessary fire drills, and helps you grow in your role. Start today - your future self will thank you.

Until next week!