The role of middle managers is often overlooked in organisations, yet they are the glue that holds the organisation together. Middle managers are responsible for translating the organisation’s strategy into actionable plans and ensuring that the work gets done. They are also responsible for managing the performance of their teams, communicating effectively with senior leaders, and driving innovation and change. Therefore, it is essential to recognise the critical role that middle managers play and equip them with the skills necessary to excel in their roles.
My fifth book – THE MIDDLE MATTERS: Ten Strategies Successful CEOs Use to Drive High Performing Middle Managers – is with the editor … insert emoji that is a mash up of excited and scared. Bless all good editors!
This book is about helping the C-suite to lead middle managers more effectively.
And so, for middle managers, let’s look at some habits or approaches that will help middle managers be even more effective leaders. I’m going to share a strategy each week.
The first habit is to be a strategic partner. Middle managers need to understand the organisation’s strategy and how it relates to their work. They must also be able to translate the strategy into actionable plans and goals for their teams.
As a middle manager, being a strategic partner means understanding how your team’s work fits into the broader organisational strategy. This requires a deep understanding of the organisation’s mission, vision, and goals. By understanding the big picture, middle managers can ensure that their team’s work is aligned with the overall strategy, and that they’re contributing to the organisation’s success.
To be an effective strategic partner, middle managers must also be able to translate the strategy into actionable plans and goals with (not for) their teams. This means working together to break down the strategy into concrete steps that can be implemented on a day-to-day basis. By setting clear goals and expectations together, you can help your team members understand how their work contributes to the organisation’s success.
So, how can middle managers become effective strategic partners? Here are some practical tips:
- Educate yourself on the organisation’s strategy: Take the time to understand the organisation’s mission, vision, and goals. Attend strategy sessions and seek out opportunities to learn more about the strategy.
- Seek out a mentor who could sponsor you to be ‘in the room’ when strategy discussions are occurring. Seek their support to understand how to think strategically, to have a strategic mindset.
- Align your team’s goals with the strategy: Review your team’s goals with them, and ensure that they align with the organisation’s strategy. If there are gaps, work with your team to identify how they can contribute to the strategy.
- Communicate the strategy to your team: Ensure that your team understands the organisation’s strategy and how their work contributes to it. Be clear and concise in your communication and provide regular updates on progress.
- Encourage innovation: As a strategic partner, you should encourage your team members to think creatively and suggest new ideas to achieve the outcomes that align with the organisation’s strategy.
By developing a strategic mindset and becoming an effective strategic partner, middle managers can help their teams and organisations succeed.
When was the last time you reviewed the organisation’s strategic plan?
