Reviewed by Heidi Nielsen, CPSM, FFKR Architects

Heidi Nielsen, CPSM, is an associate and marketing manager at FFKR Architects. In addition to managing an in-house team of marketers, she also recently served as the president of SMPS Utah. The chapter president oversees a volunteer board of directors who plan and execute educational, informative programs for 120 members. Yes, you read that right! Heidi was responsible for leading an organization that regularly hosts two to three programs a month. All while performing the duties of her full-time job (rather well, we might add).

While serving as president-elect, Heidi attended a leadership symposium with other incoming leaders from around the country. One of the presenters, Mary Abbajay, gave a full-day workshop on how to motivate and work with volunteers. She recently released a book “Managing Up: How to Move up, Win at Work, and Succeed with Any Type of Boss”.

The book is not your typical business book. It’s a quick, fun read and helped Heidi discover and develop leadership skills. “I had a lot of “ah-ha” moments reading this book,” says Heidi. “It’s a great read for anyone who wants to work better with others.”

The book offers practical tips and real-life examples readers can apply to manage up, down or sideways. “I recognized that leadership is not a title. And a title does not mean you’re a leader,” Heidi explains. “It helped me understand my leadership style and how to motivate and energize others.”

Heidi not only recommends the book, she also regularly shares takeaways and lends the book to others. “Read it with a highlighter and post-it notes,” she advises.