Businesses Risk Stalling Without Strong Middle Management
Cutting middle managers, a trend dubbed the "Great Flattening," might backfire for businesses. While some leaders see it as a way to save money and streamline operations, experts warn that middle managers play a vital role in a company's success.
Bridging the Gap Between Strategy and Action:
- Middle managers translate upper management's plans into actionable steps for frontline workers.
- Without them, strategies might not translate into concrete results.
More Than Just Daily Tasks:
- Experts like Daniel Zhao (Glassdoor) emphasize the importance of middle managers in:
- Boosting employee morale and performance
- Addressing workplace issues
- Helping workers develop their careers
Investing in Skills Makes a Difference:
- Jessica Hardeman (Indeed) stresses the need to equip middle managers with:
- Emotional maturity
- Digital fluency
- Adaptability
A Tough Job Market for Middle Managers:
- Job postings for middle management have declined significantly.
- Increased competition from frontline managers and experienced workers adds to the challenge.
Beyond "Day-to-Day Stuff":
- Managers like Tsvetelina Nasteva highlight their broader contributions:
- Driving innovation
- Shaping company culture
- Engaging talent
- Providing valuable insights
Empowering Middle Managers is Key:
- Kyle, a former manager, believes in their value but worries they lack the necessary power and freedom.
- He argues middle managers are often bogged down by administrative tasks, hindering their ability to fully utilize their skills.
The Balancing Act:
- Tiago Pita, a brand director, sees the value in juggling both strategic and day-to-day tasks.
- He emphasizes their role in:
- Translating goals into actionable steps
- Motivating teams
- Maintaining company culture
The takeaway? Businesses that invest in training and empowering strong middle managers are more likely to thrive.