Visibility upstream

[RatiTeen]

During my mid year review I was told by my manager that I am good in getting work done from my team but I need to work with upstream management more to get that visibility. I'm in mid-management level role. Next role for me will be AD or Director. I cannot just setup calls with other team's management. I'm been recently put forward for higher qualifications (sponsorship by company). How to go ahead by meeting higher level management? I think my manager should create those opportunities for me.

Why can't you set up the calls with the people you need to have visibility to? Do they turn down your meeting requests?

Why can’t you set up calls with upper management?

No I don't think they will turn down the meeting request.

I think both you and your manager need to take the conversation one step further and discuss how to make it happen.

It can’t be all on you or all on your manager.

Both of you should be able to hear about things you may want to be involved in that would connect you more to higher level roles.

Are there things your manager does that interest you that you would like involvement in that would put you in front of these people? If so speak to your manager about that.

The thing is, if you set up calls there has to be an agenda. There has to be an actual reason.

Some companies may be used to people setting up calls to just introduce themselves. But in the companies I have been in, this would only happen with someone new in or someone who has been promotors to a different role so working with new people.

Can you get involved with project work involving wider teams?

Ask for a senior mentor?

Did your manager have any suggestions, anything they can bring you in on?