Middle managers 'should not be forgotten'

Companies need to avoid falling into the trap of ignoring the contribution that middle managers make to a business, one sector body has claimed.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said that middle managers are often caught between delivering strategic objectives and managing under-pressure line managers and sometimes are first in line when organisations look to reduce head count.

However, it is also important to remember the "crucial role" these managers play in managing change, translating the objectives of senior managers into actions, and motivating others, said Ben Willmott, head of public policy at the CIPD.

"Suitably skilled middle managers can play a key role in managing change and organisation transformation. As translators, they can facilitate two-way communications between leaders and the front line and, as transformers, they can bring change to life," he explained.

Mr Willmott said much of this can be lost if change simply involves 'delayering' this middle-management tier, rather than refocusing, retraining and drawing on their skills and experiences.

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Posted by Richard Esquilant

Filed: 27-01-2012