Unbossing - Getting rid of middle management

INSIGHTS FROM THE LEADERSHIP PLANET by Eve and Eli

When companies need to streamline operations and cut costs, one solution might be to flatten the organization and reduce middle manager positions. This is something that companies are also doing to a greater extent today and it is an emerging trend called "unbossing". Certainly there are advantages with flatter organizations, increased self-leadership, enabling shorter decision-making paths etc. There is though a risk that we underestimate middle managers’ contribution. Contrary to the perception that middle managers are expendable in today’s workplace, these individuals can play a critical role in fostering mentorship, providing support to junior employees and ensuring that day-to-day operations run smoothly.

However, many managers end up in their roles without any leadership training, guidance or resources to succeed. This lack of preparation can lead to ineffective leadership, including micromanagement and difficulties to lead team members in an effective way.

By ensuring that middle managers improve their soft skills such as communication and listening skills, middle managers can strengthen relationships with their team members and thereby foster a culture of trust, cooperation and mutual respect. Through coaching and improved emotional intelligence, managers can better understand the individual needs and concerns of their various team members. This enables them to provide their team members with tailored support and guidance to support them to greater performance. So by better preparing managers and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development, companies can ensure that middle managers are equipped to successfully navigate the complexities of the modern workplace.

The trend to reduce middle manager positions, unbossing, might be a short-term solution and provide some benefits, but there is a potential risk that the invaluable contribution of these individuals are overlooked. By investing in their development and providing ongoing support and training, companies can empower middle managers to become effective leaders who drive positive results and foster a culture of success in their companies.

More to come from INSIGHTS FROM THE LEADERSHIP PLANET by Eve and Eli