I see the middle manager and I use this analogy all the time. They're the filling of the Oreo cookie. What most people do is separate those cookie tops and they just kind of demolish the cream first. Those that are good may stay in their roles or go on to become exceptional managers. Middle managers who aren't successful aren't going to be in that role for law because it's going to do some damage to the organization and employees.
Kathleen is a career HR practitioner based in the Washington DC area, specializing in Organizational Development and Talent Management.