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Just In! Can Middle Managers Survive?

October 7th, 2020

What’s hot?   

I got the feeling that something ain’t right,
I’m so scared in case I fall off my chair…
“Stuck in the Middle with You” by Stealer’s Wheel

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated cost cutting and downsizing that began years ago causing insecurity among middle managers.

So what?

Mid-level managers who can pivot – bringing the skill sets needed to thrive during chaos – are most likely to survive.

What to do?     

1. Abandon “roles” thinking and instead focus on the skills and mindsets needed to deliver results. Example: My role is motivating people. The skill that I need right now is the ability to calm a jittery, overtaxed workforce.
2. Pivot as the work and the demands shift. Bring in contractors/gig workers with needed skills on a project basis.
3. Learn how to lead/coach people who are not employees and how to manage a blended team of staff and freelancers who work on-site and off.
4. Adopt new ways to convey friendliness, respect and collaboration from a distance.
5. Create unconventional work schedules to accommodate remote workers with competing family/work roles.

Need assistance helping your leaders or organization take the courageous steps that unlock hidden potential and create significant and lasting change?  Contact us.