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Onboarding Your Manager (Not the Reverse)
When joining a new manager (or they join you), give them YOUR user manual. How you work best? What annoys? What you need?
Goal
Beat waiting for "manager to discover you", takes 6-12 months. The manual cuts to 1 month.
Steps
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1
Open 2-3 page doc: "How to work with me best — user manual".
Expected Outcome
Immediate
First meeting, manager says "never seen anyone do this". Professional impression.
Evidence base
School: Managing Up
Founders: Adam Bryant · Claire Lew · Andy Grove (1983)
"User Manual" popularized by Adam Bryant in NYT and Claire Lew in "The Manager's Path". Andy Grove rooted the idea in "High Output Management" (1983).
Keywords
Frequently asked questions
How long does "Onboarding Your Manager (Not the Reverse)" take?
This exercise takes about 60 minutes, practiced solo in a Creative format.
When will I notice the effect of "Onboarding Your Manager (Not the Reverse)"?
First meeting, manager says "never seen anyone do this". Professional impression. In the short term: Within a month, daily friction drops 70%. Each knows what other needs.
Is "Onboarding Your Manager (Not the Reverse)" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Managing Up (Adam Bryant, Claire Lew, Andy Grove (1983)). "User Manual" popularized by Adam Bryant in NYT and Claire Lew in "The Manager's Path". Andy Grove rooted the idea in "High Output Management" (1983).
Is "Onboarding Your Manager (Not the Reverse)" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Intermediate. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.
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