Eliminating middle managers? Think again!

Middle managers are individuals within an organisation who hold positions between top-level executives and frontline employees. They typically oversee specific departments, teams, or projects and are responsible for managing the operational aspects of their respective areas. Middle managers can have various job titles, such as department managers, team leaders, supervisors, or coordinators, depending on the organisational structure. Their roles and responsibilities may include implementing strategic plans, ensuring efficient workflow, coordinating activities, managing resources, providing guidance and support to employees, and facilitating communication between senior management and frontline staff. Middle managers play a crucial role in bridging the gap between high-level strategic decisions and their practical implementation at the operational level. Now, that is a lot of work and a whole lot of responsibilities on their shoulders!

Middle managers play a crucial role in organisations, and there are several reasons why we cannot do without them.

Bridge between senior management and frontline staff: Middle managers act as a link between top-level executives and employees at the operational level. They communicate strategic goals and initiatives from the senior management to the frontline teams, and ensure that the organisation’s vision is effectively implemented.

“Middle managers are instrumental in bridging the gap between strategic vision and tactical implementation. They translate the strategic objectives set by senior leaders into actionable plans for their teams”

Chandrasekhar Mukherjee, CHRO, Bhilosa Industries

 

“Middle managers are instrumental in bridging the gap between strategic vision and tactical implementation. They translate the strategic objectives set by senior leaders into actionable plans for their teams. They possess a deep understanding of the organisation’s goals, market dynamics and customer needs. By effectively communicating and aligning these strategic objectives with the day-to-day operations, middle managers ensure that teams work towards common goals,” explains Chandrasekhar Mukherjee, CHRO, Bhilosa Industries.

Mukherjee also draws attention to the fact that middle managers are well-versed in the tactical aspects of their areas of responsibility. Therefore, disregarding the role of middle managers will have a significant impact on the organisation.

“Their absence would create a void in tactical execution, as individual contributors would have to take on managerial responsibilities alongside their regular tasks. This can lead to a lack of focus on strategy and a breakdown in operational efficiency,” warns Mukherjee. According to him, “Middle managers bring a unique skill set that balances strategic thinking with tactical execution, ensuring that both aspects receive adequate attention.”

Operational efficiency and execution

Middle managers are responsible for translating high-level strategies into actionable plans. They break down organisational objectives into tasks and allocate resources accordingly. They oversee day-to-day operations, monitor progress and make necessary adjustments to ensure that goals are met. Without middle managers, there can be a gap between strategic decision-making and its execution.

Employee development and support

Middle managers play a crucial role in developing and supporting their teams. They provide guidance, mentorship and training to employees, helping them enhance their skills and reach their full potential. They also act as a point of contact for addressing concerns, resolving conflicts, and fostering a positive work environment.

Decision-making and problem-solving

Middle managers are often involved in making operational decisions that impact their teams and the organisation. They possess valuable insights into day-to-day operations, customer needs and employee perspectives. Their expertise helps in problem-solving, adapting to changing circumstances and making informed decisions at the operational level.

“Middle managers possess the expertise and experience necessary to groom and mentor employees, driving their productivity and professional growth.

Mangesh Bhide, senior vice president and HR head, Reliance Jio Infocomm

Communication and coordination

Middle managers facilitate effective communication within and across departments. They facilitate the smooth flow of information between different levels of the organisation, fostering collaboration and alignment. They coordinate efforts between teams, synchronise activities and ensure everyone is working towards common goals.

Motivation

Pandey points out that motivation is another key area where middle managers play a major role. Through effective communication, they create a collaborative workspace that fosters a positive and motivated work environment.

“They carry the vision of the organisation and translate it into strategic plans, ensuring the execution of these plans through activities and actions. Their proximity to employees allows them to capture the essence of the organisation and align it with individual and team goals,” opines Pandey.

Change management

When organisations undergo change, such as implementing new processes, systems, or strategies, middle managers play a critical role in managing the transition. They help employees adapt to changes, address resistance and ensure smooth integration of new initiatives.

Mangesh Bhide, senior vice president and HR head, Reliance Jio Infocomm, feels that middle managers play a crucial role in organisations and shouldn’t be forgotten.

Pradyumna Pandey, head – HR, manufacturing, Hero MotoCorp, also agrees that middle managers play a significant role in setting the tone and driving the adoption of organisational goals and initiatives within their teams. “They possess the expertise to manage risks, ensure privacy and effectively navigate the challenges that arise during the change-management process. By understanding the dynamics of their teams and the organisation, they are empowered to make informed decisions and lead their teams through change,” enunciates Pandey.

“They possess the expertise to manage risks, ensure privacy and effectively navigate the challenges that arise during the change-management process.”

Pradyumna Pandey, head – HR, manufacturing, Hero MotoCorp

Guidance and mentoring: According to Bhide, “Middle managers possess the expertise and experience necessary to groom and mentor employees, driving their productivity and professional growth. They possess the ability to effectively oversee and manage a certain number of individuals, ensuring optimal performance and coordination within their teams. This hands-on management approach enables them to provide the necessary guidance, support and feedback to their subordinates, fostering a conducive work environment.”

Bhide adds that while automation and technology have undoubtedly revolutionised various aspects of work, they cannot entirely replace the role of middle managers. Automation tools may be capable of handling monotonous and repetitive tasks efficiently, but they lack the human touch and intuition that middle managers bring to the table.

“Middle managers play a vital role in shaping and aligning their teams’ goals with organisational objectives. Their ability to understand the nuances of their team members’ strengths, weaknesses and aspirations allows them to provide personalised guidance and support. This personalised approach helps in unlocking the potential of individuals, motivating them and fostering a culture of growth and innovation,” asserts Bhide.