Turning Nice Managers into Allies: A Guide for Women Leaders

Nice managers can be supportive and pleasant to work with, but they can also inadvertently block your career growth. These managers, while well-intentioned, might stifle your progress through indecision or a lack of assertiveness in advocating for you.

According to a study by the Center for Creative Leadership, 42% of employees feel that lack of support from their manager hinders their career progression.

For women leaders, it’s crucial to navigate this dynamic effectively to ensure your upward mobility and brand visibility within the organisation.

Strategies for Overcoming the Nice Manager Blockade

1. Build Your Brand Upwards:

Establish your own brand and visibility with higher-level executives. This doesn’t mean bypassing your manager but complementing their efforts by ensuring that your achievements are recognised at all levels.

Example: Volunteer to present your team’s work in upper management meetings or company-wide presentations to showcase your contributions directly to senior leaders.

2. Informal Connections and Mentoring:

Develop informal relationships and seek mentoring from other leaders in the organisation. This can provide you with broader perspectives and additional advocacy beyond your immediate manager.

Example: Arrange coffee chats or lunch meetings with senior leaders to discuss your career aspirations and seek their advice and mentorship.

3. Proactive Communication:

Take the initiative in communicating your progress, achievements, and career goals. Proactively sharing your updates ensures that your contributions are visible and acknowledged.

Example: Regularly send concise and informative updates to both your manager and higher-level executives, highlighting key accomplishments and upcoming objectives.

At Iron Lady, we emphasise the importance of proactive and strategic leadership which lies in your ability to advocate for yourself and ensure your contributions are recognised across the organisation. Embrace these strategies, turn potential blockers into allies, and watch your leadership journey flourish.

Equip yourself with the skills to navigate complex managerial dynamics with our Leadership Masterclass Program.