[breakerbox]

When I was an intern at an Aerospace org, I had a mentor that was the head of engineering of several smaller companies at once emphasize one point - Always align yourself positively with people 2-3 levels of leadership above you. That is, if necessary, skirt around your direct report(s) if you have something to bring to the table for higher up people. It is how you move up faster, but of course, strains your short term relationship with your direct report. Haven’t had the chance to try it yet, but maybe others can chime in?

[exolymph]

Build those relationships in advance, and only go around your manager if you absolutely have to and are reasonably confident that higher-ups will side with you. They will be useful regardless.

Best option when you have a frustrating manager, although not always feasible: Quit and work somewhere else with better management.

[friendlybus]

Yes it works. My direct report's boss was a nightmare to deal with. His areas of influence were always producing problems. All the staff routinely agreed the problems were to be coming from one place. He had tried to get me fired at one point.

My reports to three levels above me were an agreed, small but positive influence in removing the problematic leadership. I ended up leaving later on for different reasons.