So we'll begin with the RAB's Lynn Anderson's brief primer on the subject, and take it from there. Happy reading!

MANAGING UP THE CORPORATE LADDER

Prioritize and Synchronize. Be aware of your superior's priorities, and focus your efforts to reinforce and deliver those priorities for your boss. Work as a synchronized team to deliver the results that have been identified as mandatory.
No Surprises. Always keep your boss in the loop. If it's good news, share it and share the credit. If it's not good news, don't try to hide it. Your boss will find out, and it will be worse if it doesn't come from you. And if you made a mistake, take full ownership of it, present some possible solutions, and detail a plan that will prevent it from happening again.
Make Suggestions. Especially those that: address the most pressing corporate initiatives; are personnel, product, revenue or bottom-line performance driven; will lighten your boss's workload; and will make your boss look good.
Bring Solutions. When there is a challenge, be sure you've already assessed the options. Present the challenge, and then present the possible solutions. Be prepared to explain the ramifications - both the rewards as well as the risks - of your suggestions.
Constantly review your progress against budget. If you are asking your boss for an unbudgeted item, find the money first from revisions you suggest in your budget - either by re-allocating your expenses, or generating additional revenue. Don't expect your boss to do that for you, and don't expect a positive answer unless you have a plan.
Positive Attitude. Your talent determines what you can do. Your motivation determines how much you can do. Your attitude determines how well you do your job. Everyone likes and respects a winner. Think like a winner, be a winner.

BEING MANAGED BY YOUR SUBORDINATES: See 1 - 6 Above!
Lynn Anderson
Senior Vice President
RAB

"No surprises" is a crucial filter for managing up, particularly in this economic climate. Both our bosses and we need to be as accurate as possible forecasting financials. In addition, upper management appreciates evidence from the field that their initiatives have been implemented and are working. Do not fear that letting them know will be perceived as brown nosing. They really want to hear the evidence. Over communicate.
Kathy Stinehour
Market Manager
Cumulus Broadcasting Toledo

I've always been very direct with people who have managed me. Besides paying attention to how they operate, I have sat down with them and asked them what's important to them. I've specifically discussed things like whether or not they want frequent reports, written or verbal, and what they expect from me. Sometimes what they say doesn't jibe with how they actually operate, which is why you must observe them and adjust accordingly. This approach has always worked very well for me.

Several key items that apply anywhere: 1. Don't ever surprise your boss. Tell him or her exactly what's happening (good or bad) before they hear it from someone else. 2. Make them look as good as you can. Give them the support THEY need to sell ideas further up the chain.

Similarly, I've taken an active position with my employees. After they've been on the job for a week or two (and after they've acclimated themselves to the basics), I will sit down with them and be specific about how I work and what I expect from them. This is different from the type of discussion I have during the interview process. I also have frequent "check-ups" in the first few months of an employee's tenure to make sure that there are no problems, and that they understand the expectations. It's a lot easier to nip problems in the bud than to have to deal with them later.
Corinne Baldassano
President
Translucent Media

When it comes to managing up, the single most important thing you can do is stay ahead of problems. Always, always, always, deliver the bad news first and always, always, always, follow it with a solution. Communicate important issues that affect your business model and don't waste a lot of time on trivial detail. You're busy and in most cases your boss is at least as busy or busier. Be a tool and resource to your boss not a time waster and a problem child. Ask for assistance and input but don't expect them to be there for you every step of the way. Stay independent but stay connected. Let you boss know that you will always be honest and up front and that they can count on you. Become an asset, not a liability.
Cindy Schloss
VP/Market Manager
Entercom Kansas City

Always take note of where you are on the food chain and remember that your job is to make your boss' job easier. That's a fact of life in any big company. You may perceive yourself to be a terrific employee or manager, but if you're not giving your boss what she or he needs, then you're not doing your job. Share this notion with those who report to you and make it clear to them what you need. Thus, you're teaching them how to manage up to you.
Amy Rosenthal
President
ABC Radio/Minneapolis

At Cox Radio, we live by the rule of "No Surprises." Even if you have bad news, give your boss the heads up as soon as you know about it. This applies to mistakes you may have discovered, missing a budget, knowing that you will be lowering a forecast, lawsuits, or even disgruntled employees who may have an ax to grind. It's just so much easier to deal with the problem as soon as you know about it ... rather than finding out about it after the fact when it may be too late to fix it.
Kim Guthrie
Regional VP
Cox Radio

These guidelines work in any direction: vertically up or down, or laterally.
1. Weekly email update, with bullet points and minimum amounts of narrative. Good grammar, spelling and basic composition skills are appreciated.
2. Telephone calls are preferred for confidential or controversial subjects, or those that are too complex to be written. If an answer is needed quickly, call.
3. Executives work 24/7 these days and are in constant communication via Blackberry or other PDA; it's a fact of life.
4. They let me know when they're available and vice versa. The same is true whether up or down the management chain. This saves time and frustration.
5. Try to put yourself in their shoes, and provide information accordingly, and heed the "no surprises" rule.
6. Accuracy, honesty and timeliness is next to godliness.
7. Figure out what the "big rocks" are and be sure those are covered with your boss; have options or solutions for any big problems that arise.
Caroline Devine
Regional Vice-President/Market Manager
Cox Radio/Houston and Honolulu

When you bring a problem to your boss, be sure to take something else along to that meeting as well: a recommended solution. If you don't have some recommendations to solve the problem from your perspective, you may not like the solution your boss recommends. But since it's coming from "the boss," you'll find yourself charged with implementation of a solution you don't have confidence in, a sure recipe for failure.
Jaye Albright
Consulting Partner,
Albright & O'Malley Country Consulting/RadioIQ

Communicate, communicate, communicate. Don't expect your accomplishments to automatically get noticed. Make sure your boss is aware of them. Understand exactly what your boss is looking for and expecting from you. Understand what he/she uses to evaluate your performance.
Linda Byrd
Regional Vice President
Central/North Florida Clear Channel

1. Pay attention to how your boss works, what is important to her/him.
2. Compile a list of the 3-5 things that define the management style of your boss.
3. Keep items 1 and 2 in mind when interacting with your boss.
Tips as to how to tell my staff to manage up to me... see above.
Mary Quass
CEO President
NewRadio Group, LLc

It is the same if you are managing up, down or laterally in your company, the key is to know their expectations, making sure they are attainable and to meet or exceed these expectations on a regular basis. Find out what your manager needs from you and how they want that communicated and then deliver it. If you have a manager that wants to know every detail of your business, don't get upset or fret about it. Find out exactly what he needs and give it to him/her. Some managers don't want long, lengthy emails or phone conversations while others do. Some like official reports; others don't. Read your manager and adapt to his/her style. They will feel more comfortable and appreciate the interaction between you much more. Most managers really do want you to succeed and they certainly want to succeed. Everybody wins if you and your manager have a good relationship and work together as a team.
Lisa Decker
Sr. VP/Western Mid-size Markets
Infinity Broadcasting, Inc.

How you manage your relationship with your direct boss is always important but I believe it becomes even more critical as you climb the organizational ladder. Bosses all have unique qualities and personalities as do the people who work with and for you. It's important to get to know as much about what your boss wants from you and what he/she values, early on in the relationship. Here are a few tips that I believe apply to managing your relationship with your boss no matter who they are or what their individual expectations are:

• Communicate often and consistently whether by e-mail, phone or in person.
• Don't hide bad news…get it on the table early and be prepared to provide some potential solutions or ideas to move forward.
• Learn to tell the difference between a problem or challenge that you can solve on your own and one that you need advice on.
• Trust your own instincts and take calculated risks. If a risk you took turns out to have been a good one, be sure your boss is aware of it.
• ALWAYS get your boss a quick and well-thought out answer to a question that is being asked by HIS boss.

Michele Grosenick
VP/Market Manager
Clear Channel Radio Seattle

I didn't find this out until I became one, but it turns out bosses are people too. Five tips for their care and feeding: #1) Smile; be happy. A positive attitude is a huge contribution. #2) Be responsible. Do what you said, and do more if you see the opportunity. Which segues to # 3) Make yourself indispensable. What will really solve problems and move your department ahead? Figure it out and do it. # 4) Communicate: Ask questions, listen, pipe up with a contrary opinion, if you believe it's the right one. The last thing a good boss needs is a "yes" person. You're being paid for your smarts. Use them. Finally # 5) Expect your boss to treat you like a person too. It's her job to treat you right so you can do your job making her look good.
Ruth Presslaff
President
Presslaff Interactive

Managing up tips:

• Tailor your communications so that your boss gets the info she/he needs
• No Surprises!
• Admit mistakes up front
• Be proactive - look for solutions
• Show your vision
• Be the one she/he can always count on

Nancy Vaeth
Senior Vice President/Regional Manager
Susquehanna Radio

Some people, especially entry-level employees, have a tendency to dump all their problems on their boss. I asked my employees to bring me possible solutions along with each problem and I made sure I did the same for upper management.
Denise Oliver
Oliver Media

I think it is important to establish from the very beginning how your boss wants to be communicated with. We sit down with customers all the time and ask them that question, but do we ever take the time to do the same with our bosses? Ask them what is important to them. What method of communication is important to them? Written, face-to-face, emails? Find out if they are solely bottom line people or do they also want to hear the detail. This can be important in establishing a solid relationship. You then have to determine what kind of feedback is appropriate. There are some bosses who will never give you any indication of how you are doing and others who will constantly provide input. You have to judge each person individually. There is no right or wrong.

Regarding what I tell employees who work with me - I tell them several things. First do not criticize anyone else's idea unless you can provide a better or more effective way to deal with the situation. It is easy to criticize, but it is hard to provide solutions. Next, take deadlines seriously. I don't ask more than once. If something is due on a particular day, I expect it to be done. When a decision needs to be made, please make sure you provide all of the necessary information to make an informed decision. I deal with facts, not emotion. Use email for short communication only - do not send me volumes. If you need something quickly, pick up a phone. And lastly please be respectful of your fellow employees. If I see anyone being rude to any other employee, I step in. If you can't be nice to your co-worker, that tells me a lot about a person.
Erica Farber
Publisher/CEO
Radio & Records.

The first part of managing a boss is to know that boss so you can create your own expectations of her/him. Try always to work for people whose standards are at or above your own. Analyze your boss and don't expect more of her/him than the boss is capable of giving. Your boss needs you to help her/him be a boss.

Your boss needs to be aware of and informed about what you do, so find a way to BRIEFLY

• keep the boss up to date on assignments, projects, goals.
• bring the boss in on plans you are developing that will change the way you do business before you try to implement any of them.
• always apprise the boss of any impending situations that could be fortuitous or disastrous.

Don't ask your boss to do your job

• never present a problem to your boss without suggestions for solutions.
• if a project isn't coming together or an assignment or objective isn't proceeding the way it should, review your actions as if you worked for yourself. If that doesn't get you back on track, go to your boss, but be prepared with your own analysis and suggestions.
• make sure you get clear answers and a road map for action, and keep you and your boss to the time line.
• don't ever go to your boss with an open ended question for which you have no answers.

If you have a bad boss in a good company, it's because that boss knows how to manage her/his bosses extremely well. Don't expect anyone to understand or sympathize with you; they won't. Learn as much as you can, create as many good connections as you can, look for the best opportunity and get out.
Mary Beth Garber
President
Southern California Broadcasters Assn

I believe one should try to connect with his or her bosses' management style to see what is important to him or her and which behavior(s) he or she rewards. It is extremely important to understand what that boss wants, needs and lacks so you can offer solutions in these areas. If one's boss is more analytical in nature, then bring your analytical strengths to the forefront. If the boss is more creative in nature, then try to feed that creativity with new, unique and effective ideas. One must always do what makes the boss look good and yields high performance because when your performance makes them look good, then you become indispensable to them. Now with all of this being said, none of this matters if what the boss is requesting shows a lack of moral integrity and you simply have no respect for them or their leadership abilities. When this is the case, there can be no connection. Do not put blinders on and hope it will get better later. Read the early signs and sprint to a better opportunity.

When I am leading others, I exhibit the behaviors and work ethic I want people to follow. I make sure I lead by example and expect others to follow. I am pretty direct and I try to be diplomatic while encouraging honest feedback across the board. Aleta Ware
Topaz Marketing Group