HBR IdeaCast
In Defense of Middle Management
Jul 18, 2023
Emily Field, a partner at McKinsey & Company and co-author of 'Don't Eliminate Your Middle Managers,' discusses the critical role of middle management in organizations. She argues that these managers are essential for performance, employee well-being, and navigating corporate complexity. Field emphasizes the need for tailored leadership development and freeing managers from administrative burdens to enhance strategic thinking. She also highlights the importance of middle managers in talent development, particularly for the emerging Gen Z workforce, especially during cost-cutting times.
28:00
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Quick takeaways
- Middle managers are critical to corporate performance, productivity, executive team insight, and employee well-being.
- Middle managers have the potential to shape the future of work by reimagining jobs and leveraging advancements in technology.
Deep dives
The Role and Importance of Middle Managers
Middle managers are often associated with negative stereotypes, but they play a crucial role in organizations. They are recruiters, developers of talent, project guides, team builders, and problem solvers. The negative reputation of middle management may come from a lack of understanding of their role or the perception that they create bureaucratic layers. However, middle managers need to be empowered and set up for success in order to fulfill their potential and create value for the organization.
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