Why interviewers ask this question

"Managing up" means proactively helping your manager do their job better, whether that is flagging a risk early, pushing back respectfully on an unrealistic deadline, or filling a gap in their awareness. Interviewers ask this to see whether you take ownership of the working relationship with your manager rather than treating it as purely one-directional, since employees who manage up well tend to prevent problems before they escalate.

How to structure your answer using STAR

Choose a real example where you proactively supported, informed, or respectfully pushed back on your manager, rather than simply following instructions. Briefly set up the situation, then focus the action on what you specifically did: flagging a risk early with a suggested solution, providing information you knew your manager needed but had not asked for, or raising a concern about a decision constructively. Close with a clear result showing the relationship or outcome improved because of it.

A strong example answer

"My manager set a client delivery date without realising a dependency on another team that historically ran late. Rather than staying quiet and hoping it would work out, I raised it early with the specific historical data on that team's typical delays, along with two options: renegotiating the date now or building in a buffer. My manager appreciated having the full picture early rather than finding out close to the deadline, and we adjusted the plan with the client well in advance rather than delivering a late surprise."

Mistakes to avoid

Avoid a story that is really about simply doing your job well rather than proactively supporting your manager specifically. Avoid describing managing up as undermining or going around your manager; the best examples show you making your manager's job easier and their decisions better-informed, not making them look bad.

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Frequently asked questions

Is "managing up" the same as criticising my manager?
No, and it is important not to frame it that way in your answer. Managing up well is about proactively supporting your manager's success and decision-making, not undermining them or making them look uninformed; keep the framing collaborative and constructive throughout your example.
What if I have never had to manage up in a formal job?
Look for an example from any context with a supervisor, coordinator, or team lead, such as a university project, volunteering, or a part-time role, where you proactively supported or informed the person above you rather than only reacting to instructions.