Why Middle Managers are the True Drivers of Company Success

In this white paper, Amanda Julian, PhD (Chief Science Officer & Co-Founder of Monark) highlights the crucial yet often overlooked role of middle managers in organizational success. She argues that while many companies focus on top executives for strategic investment, supporting middle managers is equally vital. Middle managers are essential for driving day-to-day operations, bridging communication between senior leadership and employees, and fostering a productive, engaged workforce.

This white paper points out that despite their importance, middle managers are frequently undervalued and overburdened, leading to burnout and high turnover. It critiques the trend of reducing middle management roles to cut costs, suggesting that such cuts can undermine company performance and employee satisfaction.

Instead, Amanda advocates for investing in middle managers through targeted development programs to enhance their leadership skills, reduce administrative burdens, and improve their ability to manage and inspire their teams. This investment can lead to better organizational outcomes, including higher employee engagement, improved productivity, and overall company growth.

For practical implementation, the article recommends identifying signs of middle manager distress, such as high turnover and decreased morale, and addressing these issues with tailored support and development opportunities.