Yet communications - direct communications between people - are still a major problem facing team leaders and probably always will be.

Communicating Up focuses on the upward communication important to productivity and performance.

Although important, this area is not one many people work to refine. Fortunately, you already have the skills to do so; they are the same ones used to communicate with team members. It's simply a matter of applying them to your manager.

To communicate effectively with your manager, you have to understand the manager's style and environment. Some prefer brief overviews, while others demand detail. Since you cannot change your manager, you have to adapt your own style to fit his or hers.

Regardless of your manager's style, you need to follow certain guidelines to communicate well. One key is to alert the manager of any problems or opportunities as soon as possible. Another is to take full responsibility to make sure that communication takes place.

In addition, you must remember today's work environment. Chances are your manager is busier than ever before and more in need of good advice and information. It's your job to help your manager make good decisions through your good communication skills.

Communication is still not enough. In fact, if you listen and do nothing, the situation may get even worse. Instead, you need to deal with the issue and solve the problem, if possible.

Program Description
Most managers and team leaders realize the importance of upward communication, but few accept the responsibility for the quality and effectiveness of communicating with their own managers. Managers and team leaders will learn how to frame communication so that a desired result is achieved. Communicating Up is an interactive, 4-hour group workshop designed for 6-18 participants.