Middle management; Are they ready for the Challenge?

We have heard all too frequently about the growing gaps between generations and the fear of what will happen when baby boomers retire over coming years. This has been amplified somewhat by the challenges of the current climate highlighting a broad training need across industry sectors for middle managers to up skill in readiness for tomorrow’s challenges.

Traditional middle management and its bureaucratic approach does not fit with contemporary structures. New working practices and cultures, increased competition, regulation and ethics require a much more rounded middle manager. To avoid a middle management ‘wipe out’ similar to that of the late 1980’s and 1990’s middle managers must position themselves in such a way that protects them from the firing line. Investing in learning and relevant professional qualifications will assist on a number of levels including increased performance and market attractiveness. In a market where organisations have a wide selection of candidates there is a need to market yourself as best as possible to stand the very best chance of being selected.

Today’s middle management play a crucial role in directing self-managed teams through these battles. They will become the vital glue that enables an organisation to achieve its objectives and maximise the productivity of its workforce. To do this they themselves must be competent and be able to demonstrate their skills and capabilities consistently. The best possible investment one can make in the current climate is in themselves. The ROI will prove worthy over a short and long term on a variety of levels.

To be successful, middle management must move from a command-and-control hierarchical management style to a coaching model, leading empowered teams but holding them accountable for results. The Generation X cohort flourish when empowered and accept the accountability that empowerment demands. Problems can occur however when the Generation X employee shows more potential and willingness then the middle manager.

Middle management are required to be more strategic than ever before, constantly keeping the objectives of their self-managed teams aligned with overall corporate goals and objectives. Flexibility and multitasking whilst maneuvering easily between projects and working with different people are key requirements. Employers look for key competencies, sound soft skills and a willingness to continually learn; increasing pressures and raising expectations constantly. The question is are you ready?

This is a guest post by Susie Andrade, a BPP Education Professional from Guernsey and is a founding CMI Ambassador.