Melody Wilding

Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work.

Greg McKeown, New York Times bestselling author of Essentialism and Effortless

Expertly managing up is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Whether you are at the start of your career or have just stepped into a leadership position, Wilding is the perfect mentor for teaching you how to leverage your manager.

Vanessa Van Edwards, Founder of Science of People and bestselling author

In this sophisticated yet accessible guide, Wilding transforms what most of us learn through painful trial and error into a clear, research-backed blueprint for taking control of our professional future. She masterfully explains how to thoughtfully navigate those difficult conversations that often define our career trajectory, and turn what can be an anxiety-ridden, transactional relationship with our boss into a true partnership.

Amy Gallo, co-host of HBR's Women at Work podcast and author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People)

Managing Up offers a new lens through which to view workplace relationships, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for growth. With real-world examples and clear frameworks, this book helps you decode your boss’s behavior and unlock the career success you deserve.

Daniel H. Pink, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Drive, To Sell is Human, and The Power of Regret

Managing Up is not just a book about navigating relationships in the workplace, though it certainly is that—it's a call to arms to reclaim autonomy in your career. Whether you're just joining the workforce or a seasoned manager, there's something in this practical, empowering, and deeply-human book for you.

Simone Stolzoff, author of The Good Enough Job

A masterclass in the most critical soft skill for career success. Wilding delivers a refreshingly modern, easy-to-follow instruction manual for navigating workplace dynamics with integrity and emotional intelligence.

Dorie Clark, bestselling author of The Long Game and executive education faculty, Columbia Business School

If you ever find yourself struggling to figure out where you stand in the workplace, you need this book. Packed with relatable stories and practical scripts and strategies, Managing Up is an essential guide for learning how to take back your power and advocate for yourself with confidence.

Liz Fosslien, co-author of WSJ bestseller No Hard Feelings and Big Feelings

Finally, a science-based book that reveals how to influence others regardless of where you sit on the org. chart. It’s a resource you'll return to again and again!

Dr Tasha Eurich, New York Times bestselling Author of Shatterproof, Insight, Bankable Leadership

Wilding has accomplished something rare and invaluable, which is combining bigger-picture insight with specific advice so that readers walk away with concrete, practical advice to experiment with. I am already thinking about how to use the insights with my own colleagues and board members, even as I buy copies for my own direct reports to help them deal with me.

Sheila Heen, co-author, Difficult Conversations and faculty, Harvard Law School

How to Get What You Need from the People in Charge

Navigate power dynamics, build effective relationships with higher-ups, and earn more authority, freedom and confidence at work. 
 
'Outstanding. A better way to get ahead at work' Greg McKeown 
 
'Turn potential conflicts into opportunities for growth' Daniel H. Pink 
 
***A 'Next Big Idea' Best Leadership Book of 2025*** 
 
Do you feel vulnerable to the whims of your boss, peers or internal politics? 
Do you push through each day with an undercurrent of anxiety? 
Are you micromanaged, interrupted in meetings, saddled with busy work or overlooked for career opportunities?There's a way to teach those above you to value your ideas and treat you with respect - without ever changing your job title. 
 
Human behaviour professor and award-winning career coach Melody Wilding has helped thousands of clients advocate for their needs at work while navigating office politics. In this clear, tactical guide, time-tested strategies, detailed scripts and transformative insights will help you:<ul><li>Get in your boss's head to understand their priorities</li><li>Earn more respect from your manager</li><li>Say no and push back with tact</li></ul> 
No matter your level, reclaim control of your career by building the emotional intelligence, relational capital and negotiation savvy to succeed in a turbulent working world.

Melody Wilding

Praise for Managing Up

Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work.

Expertly managing up is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Whether you are at the start of your career or have just stepped into a leadership position, Wilding is the perfect mentor for teaching ...

In this sophisticated yet accessible guide, Wilding transforms what most of us learn through painful trial and error into a clear, research-backed blueprint for taking control of our professional future

Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work.

Expertly managing up is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Whether you are at the start of your career or have just stepped into a leadership position, Wilding is the perfect mentor for teaching ...

In this sophisticated yet accessible guide, Wilding transforms what most of us learn through painful trial and error into a clear, research-backed blueprint for taking control of our professional future

Outstanding. Wilding's scripts and strategies show us a better way to get ahead at work.

Expertly managing up is an essential skill that everyone needs to learn. Whether you are at the start of your career or have just stepped into a leadership position, Wilding is the perfect mentor for teaching ...

In this sophisticated yet accessible guide, Wilding transforms what most of us learn through painful trial and error into a clear, research-backed blueprint for taking control of our professional future

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