Helping Your Boss Make Better Decisions

We often focus on how to lead and support our own teams, but what if one of the most impactful things we could do as leaders is to support those above us?

In this episode of  The Leader’s Kitbag, I explore a powerful idea: helping your boss make better, more informed decisions.

Because when we do that well, we not only improve outcomes across the board, but we also earn greater trust and influence.

Here are the three practical tips I share:

#1. Provide insights, not just data

It’s not enough to simply report the numbers.

Real value comes from interpreting the data, highlighting patterns, trends, risks, and opportunities that may not be visible from above.

#2. Offer options, not just obstacles

No one wants to hear about problems with no proposed solutions.

Instead, present viable options so your boss can make informed choices, and you position yourself as a solutions-focused leader.

#3. Ask future-focused questions

Show you’re thinking beyond the task at hand.

Ask smart questions about long-term goals and success metrics to help shape better decisions from the top down.

These aren’t just management tricks; they’re practical ways to demonstrate leadership at every level.

Podcast Transcript – Supporting Upwards – Helping Those Above You Lead Better

If we’re serious about creating better organisations and stronger teams, we must also talk about how we lead upwards,  not just how we lead our own teams.

What if one of the most impactful things you could do as a leader is to help those above you make better, more well-informed decisions?

If that idea intrigues you, then you’re in exactly the right place.

The very best leaders and managers don’t just follow instructions and directives — they support their bosses in making stronger decisions. In this short episode, I’m sharing three simple and practical ways you can start doing that today.

 

#1. Provide Insights, Not Just Data

Move beyond simply reporting facts and figures upwards. Focus instead on sharing insights that connect to the organisation’s key goals and strategic priorities.

Ask yourself and your team: what trends, risks, or opportunities do we see that may not be visible at the top

 

#2. Offer Options, Not Just Obstacles

Nobody likes working with someone who only ever raises problems without offering a solution.

So next time you’re handed a task that feels unworkable, try saying:

“OK, with our current capacity, here are two ways we could proceed. Which one sounds most workable to you?”

This kind of response shows ownership and demonstrates that you’re focused on solutions — not resistance.

 

#3. Ask Future-Focused Questions

When given a task or objective, ask:

“Can you help us understand the long-term goal we’re aiming for here?”

“How are we going to measure success on this?”

These types of questions show that you’re thinking critically and strategically.

They also encourage those above you to clarify their thinking and become even more effective leaders themselves.

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