MANAGING UP with Mary Abbajay


Audio production by James Ede, Be Heard

Our guest today is Mary Abbajay, the author of the best-selling Managing Up: How to Move Up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss.

A Forbes contributor, her work and advice have also appeared in the New York Times, Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Forbes, The Financial Times, Money, Southwest Airlines Magazine, Monster, and the BBC.

In this episode, we talk about the quality of the relationship people have with their boss.

It’s a relationship that has a significant impact on people’s careers, work and life satisfaction, and even their overall wellness and health. And yet, it’s much easier to find advice and guidance on how to be a good boss than on how to manage a relationship with one. In this episode, we try to change that.

Episode Highlights

Here are some of the themes that we explore in this conversation:

  • Why so many people still have terrible bosses
  • The unique nature of the relationship between a boss and a team member
  • What’s at stake when you are not managing the relationship with your boss
  • The boss spectrum: from the unicorn boss to the toxic boss
  • The three choices we have when faced with a difficult situation
  • Why people tend to spend 30% more time working for toxic bosses than for good bosses
  • Key principles to managing your boss really effectively
  • How to avoid being delusional about who we are and who our boss is
  • How to give feedback to a boss that has a negative impact on the team’s culture
  • How to deal with a micro-manager

Listen to the interview in the player below or on iTunes. If you like what you hear, please leave a review, and it may be featured on a future episode.


Audio production by James Ede, Be Heard

More about Mary Abbajay

As a sought-after author, speaker, consultant, and trainer, Mary helps clients develop the strategies, skills and sensibilities needed for success in the 21st century. Her expertise lies in helping clients create dynamic and productive workplaces that foster professional and personal excellence and growth.

You can contact Mary here:

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