Managing Up: 10 Conversations with Your Manager | Melody Wilding

In today’s episode, we discuss the most effective approach to fly up the corporate ladder with Melody Wilding, an executive coach, human behavior expert, and acclaimed author of Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge. Recognized as one of Business Insider’s “Most Innovative Coaches,” Melody specializes in guiding sensitive high-achievers—from Fortune 500 leaders to creative visionaries—helping them transform self-doubt into confidence, master their emotions, and unlock their full potential in both their careers and personal lives. What to Listen For Introduction – 00:00:00 Overcome the hesitation around having difficult conversations with your boss. Planting ideas in your manager’s mind for future projects and promotions. Signs You Need Help to Improve – 00:10:31 What are the signs you need help communicating your goals and ambitions to your boss? How do you align with your boss on your goals to gain their support and guidance? Implementing Feedback to Exceed Your Boss’s Expectations – 00:22:40 How do you prioritize feedback to show your boss your commitment to growth and value? Why should you avoid helping co-workers too much? Setting Work Boundaries and How to Say No – 00:29:33 How to set workplace boundaries if you struggle with them personally. How do you say no to extra tasks without hurting your relationship with your boss? Avoid Single Points of Failure – 00:39:15 How to secure support from multiple leaders in case your boss or key leader leaves? Strengthen your relationship with your boss while connecting with leadership above them? Raise Your Visibility and Promotability– 00:47:45 How do you increase your visibility so your manager considers you for promotions? How do you quit on a high note and maintain a strong reputation, even mid-project? A Word From Our Sponsors Tired of awkward handshakes and collecting business cards without building real connections? Dive into our Free Social Capital Networking Masterclass. Learn practical strategies to make your interactions meaningful and boost your confidence in any social situation. Sign up for free at theartofcharm.com/sc and elevate your networking from awkward to awesome. Don’t miss out on a network of opportunities! Unleash the power of covert networking to infiltrate high-value circles and build a 7-figure network in just 90 days. Ready to start? Check out our CIA-proven guide to networking like a spy! Indulge in affordable luxury with Quince—where high-end essentials meet unbeatable prices. Upgrade your wardrobe today at quince.com/charm for free shipping and hassle-free returns. Ready to turn your business idea into reality? Shopify makes it easy to start, scale, and succeed—whether you're launching a side hustle or building the next big brand. Sign up for your $1/month trial at shopify.com/charm. Need to hire top talent—fast? Skip the waiting game and get more qualified applicants with Indeed. Claim your $75 Sponsored Job Credit now at Indeed.com/charm. Upgrade your space with Thuma—where modern design meets craftsmanship and functionality. Get $100 off your first bed purchase at thuma.co/charm. Curious about your influence level? Get your Influence Index Score today! Take this 60-second quiz to find out how your influence stacks up against top performers at theartofcharm.com/influence. Resources from this Episode Melody Wilding’s website Managing Up: How to Get What You Need From the People in Charge Melody Wilding on LinkedIn Check in with AJ and Johnny! AJ on LinkedIn Johnny on LinkedIn AJ on Instagram Johnny on Instagram The Art of Charm on Instagram The Art of Charm on YouTube The Art of Charm on TikTok Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices