The Uplink

Structure the Move Before You Make It

You need something from someone above you — a decision, resources, air cover, feedback, or a conversation they've been avoiding. The power dynamic is against you and the ask matters too much to wing it.

The Uplink builds a complete upward strategy based on 19 questions about the ask, the person, the politics, and your own defaults when managing up. Every section is written for this specific person and this specific dynamic.

Your report includes:

— The Read — the real power structure and what you're not seeing

— How to frame the ask — in their language, connected to what they care about

— The language to use — specific words, opening lines, key sentences

— When to make the move — timing, signals, and windows

— What to expect — their likely reaction and what silence means

— What NOT to say — the approach that will backfire

— If they say no — how to keep the door open

— If they deflect — how to bring it back without pushing too hard

— The follow-up — how to solidify a yes, reopen a no, convert a maybe

— The One Sentence — the sentence that makes the ask real