271: Take Control of Your Career: The Power of Managing Up with Melody Wilding

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Written By Tammy Gooler Loeb

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271: Take Control of Your Career: The Power of Managing Up

I had the pleasure of welcoming back Melody Wilding, an executive coach and best-selling author, to discuss her latest book, Managing Up: How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge. Melody is an expert in workplace psychology, and her insights offer a fresh and empowering perspective on how professionals can take control of their work experience and career growth. If you’ve ever struggled with difficult workplace dynamics, this conversation is for you.

Many people assume that “managing up” means catering to your boss’s every whim, but Melody challenges that outdated notion. Instead, she defines managing up as a crucial career skill—one that helps you build effective relationships, advocate for your needs, and create a work environment where you can thrive. In today’s world, where long-term job security is rare, developing this skill is more important than ever.

One of the key takeaways from our conversation was Melody’s framework of essential workplace conversations designed to help professionals navigate challenges, gain respect, and create opportunities for advancement. Melody’s book provides practical scripts and real-world examples to make these conversations easier to approach.

Managing up isn’t just about dealing with a difficult boss—it’s about taking ownership of your career, setting boundaries, and positioning yourself for long-term success. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your workplace relationships, gain recognition for your contributions, or prepare for your next opportunity, Melody’s insights provide a valuable roadmap.

In this week’s Work From The Inside Out podcast, learn more about:

  • What Inspired Managing Up

  • Redefining Managing Up

  • The 10 Essential Conversations for Managing Up

  • The Importance of Managing Up from Day One

  • When to Stay vs. When to Leave

Connect with Melody:

Interested in individual or group coaching with Tammy?  Learn more about her coaching service.

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Affiliate Links: Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links above are “affiliate links”. This means that if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products and services I use personally and believe will add value to my listeners. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

 

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About Tammy, host of
Work from the inside out

Prior to establishing her practice, Tammy held a variety of positions in mental health services, higher education administration, public policy analysis and fundraising. Her practical knowledge and experience in organizational development, program management and business operations builds a relatable relationship with clients striving for higher performance results.

Tammy Gooler Loeb
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270: Empowering Working Parents with Lori Mihalich-Levin