If you have had some struggles with how to communicate with those leaders/managers that you work for this book is a must read. Chapters 3 & 4 are on ownership, seizing opportunities without stepping on toes. And having a conversation on boundaries, how to say no and set limits without being a complete jerk. Every chapter is on a conversation that you will or have had to have with Individuals above you. It helped me set some boundaries in my current position, and it allowed me to get back time to focus on what would move the needle. My director agreed with me, we found a resolution together that worked for both of us!

This book is a great resource for anyone who is feeling stuck or underutilized at work. I want to make it clear that this book probably won’t be the most useful of you find yourself in a toxic work environment or have an abusive boss. Those scenarios are beyond the advice given in this book (which the author acknowledges early on), though the chapter about the “Leaving Conversation” may be useful in that circumstance.

I appreciate the tangible advice in this book, along with word for word scripts. While it’s unlikely that any given script will for your exact situation, it gives a really solid foundation to build on as you approach different work related conversations. I appreciated the general theme of taking your career into your own hands and being an active participant.

Many thanks to Crown Currency and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review.

"Managing Up" by Melody Wilding is a game-changer for sensitive strivers everywhere! If you loved Wilding's previous book "Trust Yourself," then you'll be delighted to discover that "Managing Up" is even better. This book feels like it was written specifically for you, providing valuable insights and practical skills that will help you navigate the complexities of the workplace.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Managing Up" is the way it offers a fresh perspective on the dynamics between employees and their managers. Wilding offers a wealth of wisdom on how to communicate effectively, build trust, and advocate for yourself in a way that feels both authentic and strategic.

"Managing Up" is a must-read that will help you develop the skills and confidence you need to succeed. I learned so many insights and practical skills that I'm excited to put to work in my next role.

Managing Up by Melody Wilding is one of those career books that immediately feels like it’s speaking to you if you've ever felt sidelined, micromanaged, or unsure how to communicate with your boss. It’s packed with super practical, step-by-step advice for navigating tricky office dynamics and giving you more control over your career—even if you’re not in a leadership position. Wilding’s approach is both grounded in solid research and full of real-world examples, offering tangible conversations you can have to get your work noticed, set boundaries with ease, and build trust without stepping on toes.

Whether it’s negotiating your salary, aligning with your boss’s needs, or saying no to extra work with confidence, this book gives you tools to succeed while being true to yourself. Wilding doesn’t just tell you what to do; she gives you scripts to navigate these situations smoothly, which is so refreshing and helps take the guesswork out of difficult conversations. If you're looking to level up your work life and feel more empowered, Managing Up is the kind of book that will keep you returning to its pages as new challenges arise.

Anyone with a job, especially knowledge workers, should add Melody Wilding’s book, “Managing Up,” to their reading list. This book is an incredibly useful guide to navigating power dynamics, building effective relationships with higher-ups, and earning more authority, freedom, and confidence.

Each chapter begins with thought bubbles that explore the anxieties, epiphanies, or lessons learned related to a particular conversation topic (like alignment or boundaries conversations). These thought bubbles are followed by a client story, which helps readers relate to the particular conversation to be explored.

The book can be read cover to cover or skipped to find what’s most interesting. However, I recommend reading all the chapters at some point, as they often offer perspectives that you may not need now but will find useful in the future.

You’ll also find scripts (Melody encourages you to steal them) that can help you advocate for yourself in various conversations, such as networking, visibility, and advancement conversations. Since conversations are a part of every job, “Managing Up” serves as a great reference to come back to when you need guidance.

Reading this book will help you navigate various dynamics at work with much more confidence. It’s likely that your self-image will change in a positive way after reading it. There are many things to highlight and contemplate in terms of how to implement the advice in the book.

Thanks to Crown Publishing for providing a copy via NetGalley.