How to Keep Your Boss Updated

Have you ever found yourself so caught up in leading your team that you’ve forgotten to keep your boss updated on the great work you’re doing?

Or perhaps your boss asks for updates you’ve already given, and you’re left wondering why your messages aren’t landing?

In this episode of The Leaders Kitbag, I’m sharing three practical strategies to help you manage upwards more effectively.

These aren’t about office politics or over communicating; they’re about building trust, maintaining your autonomy, and reducing the risk of being micromanaged.

Here’s what I cover:

Tip 1: Focus on what they care about most

Learn how to spot your boss’s top priorities and ensure you’re giving them the updates they value, before they even have to ask.

Tip 2: Create a rhythm of updates they can rely on

Whether it’s a weekly email, a structured check-in, or a monthly report, consistency builds trust and helps your boss feel informed and confident in your leadership.

Tip 3: Share the wins and flag the risks early

Celebrate your team’s successes and be proactive about highlighting risks. Doing so not only demonstrates your competence, it also shows you’re not hiding anything, strengthening the trust between you and your boss.

Remember, proactively managing upwards isn’t just about making your life easier.

It’s about strengthening relationships, building your reputation, and creating the space you need to lead effectively.

Podcast Transcript: How to Keep Your Boss Informed (and Stay Out of Micromanagement Mode)

Have you ever been caught off guard when your boss suddenly asks for an update on your team’s progress, and you realise you’ve been so focused on leading that you forgot to keep them in the loop?

Or maybe they’re asking for information you’ve already shared, and you’re left wondering why your message didn’t quite land?

If either of those scenarios resonates with you, then this episode of The Leaders Kit Bag is definitely for you.

Let’s dive into three tips to help you proactively manage upwards, keeping your boss informed while building trust and protecting your autonomy.

1. Focus on what they care about most.

Pay attention to what your boss talks about, how they behave, or what’s in their diary (if shared). This will give you a clear picture of what matters most to them.

Your job? Keep them updated on those specific topics before they even ask.

It might be sales opportunities, stakeholder feedback, risks, or internal “noise”.

Whatever it is, proactively communicate it so they feel confident that you’re on top of things.

2. Develop a rhythm of updates.

Find a cadence that works for them, not just you. It could be:

• A short weekly roundup email

• A fixed agenda in your weekly 1:1

• A more detailed monthly summary

Consistency here builds trust and credibility.

And when your boss trusts that you’ll keep them informed, they’ll feel far less need to micromanage you.

3. Share both wins and risks.

Your boss likely doesn’t see all the successes happening within your team, so tell them.

This isn’t about showing off.

It’s about demonstrating your team’s effectiveness and your reliability.

And just as importantly, flag potential risks early. Offer solutions where you can or ask for support when needed.

Doing so shows openness, builds further trust, and proves that you’re not hiding anything.

So there you have it, three simple, practical strategies for managing up, building trust, and protecting your leadership space.

Want More Insights?

So there you have it, three practical tips for pushing back when you need to respond reactively to your boss, manage up, or speak truth to power.

If you’re finding value in The Leaders Kit Bag,  subscribe to the Leaders Kit Bag email for more leadership tips and advice to help you become the best leader you can possibly be.

Until next time, look after yourself and those you’ve got the privilege and responsibility to lead.

Lead on.