HBR IdeaCast In Defense of Middle Management
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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.
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Middle Management's Evolving Role
- Middle managers are essential, but their roles must adapt to the changing times.
- CEOs can now communicate directly, raising questions about managers' purpose.
The Manager's Burden
- Managers face numerous challenges, including technological changes and the well-being crisis.
- They are often burnt out due to increasing responsibilities like addressing employee well-being.
The Player-Coach Model
- Evaluate if the player-coach model suits your organization's needs.
- Ensure managers prioritize strategic tasks, team enablement, and coaching over individual work.
