Managing Up in the Moment

Whether your boss is brilliant or a bit of a nightmare, there will always be times when pressure from above feels unrealistic.

In this episode of The Leader’s Kitbag, I’m sharing three actionable tips for managing up, especially when you need to push back on unachievable demands without damaging relationships or trust.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why challenging upwards early and respectfully helps maintain credibility
• How to clarify ambiguous requests with sharp, specific questions
• How to explain trade-offs and get clarity around priorities

This episode is all about being proactive, courageous, and clear, even when you’re feeling squeezed.

Managing up isn’t about defiance; it’s about ensuring your team can do their best work without burnout or confusion.

If you’ve ever had to “speak truth to power” or felt stuck between a rock and a hard place, this one’s for you.

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If this episode resonated with you, then you’ll love the kind of tips, tools and insights I share every week in The Leaders Kitbag newsletter.

It’s short, sharp and practical – just like the podcast – and designed to help you lead with greater clarity, confidence, and impact.

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