The invisible bridge: why middle managers are the true heroes of corporate success

Ever had one of those days where you felt like a professional juggler? You know, keeping the exec team's big dreams floating while making sure your team's day-to-day runs smoothly? Yeah, I thought so!

The Secret Sauce of Success 🍔

Let's talk about something that might make you smile - have you ever thought about how much you have in common with a perfect burger? No, really! Just like the best part of a burger is that juicy middle, YOU are the flavourful centre of your organisation. You're where the real magic happens!

What's Really Going On in the Middle?

I recently witnessed something brilliant - a middle manager transformed a potentially chaotic product launch into a smooth success story. How? By doing what middle managers do best - being the translator, the connector, and yes, sometimes the miracle worker!

They didn't just pass messages up and down. They:

• Turned complex executive vision into bite-sized team goals

• Kept their team motivated through tight deadlines

• Managed everyone's expectations (up, down, and sideways!)

• And did it all with a smile (okay, and maybe a few extra coffee runs 😉)

Making Magic in the Middle

Here's the thing - being in the middle isn't about being stuck. It's about being the spark that makes everything work. Think about it:

You're the one who:

• Is close enough to both the big picture vision of strategy and the daily grind of the operations

• Understands what motivates your team members individually

• Can spot problems before they become crises, or is closer to the frontline to find out about any potential issues

• Makes things happen when they seem impossible

This Month's Power Move 💫

Instead of trying to be everywhere at once (we all know that's impossible!), try this: Set aside 30 minutes each day for what I call "Connection Time". As a middle manager, your team’s success is your success: what that means is, every minute you invest in your team and being present for your team, the greater the return on your energy and investment. How you are present also matters. Use your ‘Connection Time’  to:

• Have a proper, fully present,chat with a team member

• Listen to what's not being said

• Share a win with your boss

• Ask a direct report, “If there was one thing we could improve right now what would you improve?”

• Connect with another middle manager

Real Talk Corner

Here's something nobody tells you: It's okay if you don't have all the answers. The best middle managers aren't the ones who know everything - they're the ones who know how to bring people together to find solutions.

Quick Tips for Your Tool Belt

Want to make your week smoother? Try these:

• Turn your 1-hour meetings into 45-minute chats

• Start your day by asking "What's one thing I can make easier for my team today?"

• Keep a "wins" folder in your email (trust me, you'll need those reminders!)

• Practice saying "let me think about that" instead of immediate yes/no answers… but don’t use this as a delaying tactic!

This Month's Challenge

Here's a fun one: Ask each of your team members what they think their superpower is. You might be surprised by what you learn - and how you can help them use those powers for good!

What's Making Me Think 🤔

"Leadership isn't about being in charge. It's about taking care of those in your charge."

Before You Go...

Remember this: You're not just managing from the middle - you're leading from the heart of your organisation. That's where the real impact happens!