Build Trust Upward

Trust with your boss follows the same principles as trust anywhere: deliver consistently, communicate proactively, and show that you have their interests in mind. Send updates before they ask. Flag risks before they surface. Complete projects slightly ahead of deadline when possible.

The most useful managing-up move is the decision memo: the issue, two or three options, your recommendation, and the trade-off. It lets a busy manager decide instead of reconstructing the whole problem.