Overview
This Managing Up: Building Stronger Relationships training program was designed to help managers improve their ability to collaborate effectively with senior leadership. The program combined asynchronous prework through LinkedIn Learning with an interactive 2.5-hour virtual live session that reinforced key strategies through discussions, role-playing exercises, and case studies. The goal was to equip managers with the tools to navigate organizational dynamics, build trust with senior leaders, and communicate effectively upward.
Skills:
- Instructional Design
- Virtual Facilitation
- Virtual Learning Experience Design
Tools:
- LinkedIn Learning
- PowerPoint
- Microsoft Teams
The Challenge
Managers faced difficulties in effectively communicating their needs, ideas, and feedback to senior leadership. Some struggled with adapting to different leadership styles, while others found it challenging to influence decisions or gain executive buy-in. The organization needed a scalable and practical training solution to help managers develop these critical skills while fostering a culture of open and productive communication.
Solution & Design Approach
To address these needs, I designed a blended virtual learning experience that included:
- Prework via LinkedIn Learning – Participants completed two courses to establish foundational knowledge on managing up.
- Interactive Live Virtual Session – A 2.5-hour session incorporating group discussions, role-playing exercises, and case study analyses to reinforce learning in real-world scenarios.
- Breakout Room Activities – Small group discussions and exercises allowed participants to practice adapting their communication approach based on different leadership styles.
- Scenario-Based Learning – Participants engaged in structured role-play exercises simulating conversations with different types of managers.
- Case Study Analysis – Real-world managing-up challenges were analyzed in teams, fostering critical thinking and collaborative problem-solving.
Instructional Materials Developed
To support a consistent and effective learning experience, I developed:
- Facilitator Guide – A structured script with discussion prompts, debriefing questions, and activity instructions to support virtual delivery.
- Participant Guide – Key concepts, role-play scenarios, and reflection activities to reinforce learning.
- PowerPoint Slides – Visual aids to structure discussions and highlight key takeaways.
Key Learning Activities
- Exploring Leadership Styles – Participants analyzed different management styles and discussed strategies for adapting their approach accordingly.
- Role-Playing Exercises – Participants practiced real-life scenarios, applying techniques for influencing, communicating needs, and navigating difficult conversations.
- Case Study Discussions – Teams reviewed managing-up challenges and proposed solutions to enhance their strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
- Reflection & Action Planning – Participants identified personal development areas and created action plans to apply managing-up techniques in their roles.
Outcomes & Impact
- Improved Communication Skills – Participants developed greater confidence in presenting ideas and feedback to senior leaders.
- Increased Adaptability – Participants learned to assess leadership styles and adjust their communication strategies accordingly.
- Stronger Manager-Executive Relationships – Feedback indicated that managers felt better equipped to build trust and collaborate with senior leaders.