The recently published article "The Middle Manager of the Future: More Coaching, Less Commanding" by Ben Rand from the Harvard Business Review, explores the evolution of middle management in response to the complexities of the modern economy in an analysis of more than 35 million job postings by Letian Zhang. Contrary to predictions of their demise, middle managers are thriving and experiencing growth in various industries.
The Leaders of The Future Must Teach!
The traditional role of managers as supervisors has shifted towards one of collaboration and empowerment, where they act more like basketball coaches than army commanders. Research indicates a significant increase in job postings seeking collaborative skills and a decrease in those emphasizing supervisory capabilities. Middle managers are seen as crucial connectors, particularly in innovation-heavy industries, where they facilitate collaboration among diverse skill sets. Despite challenges, such as balancing traditional supervisory responsibilities with the demand for collaboration, managers are adapting to the changing landscape. Career advancement may require external moves as organizations redefine job roles to align with collaborative needs. This evolution necessitates the development of foundational skills, including social and cognitive abilities, to navigate future managerial roles effectively. The article concludes by highlighting the importance of interpersonal skills in a globalized economy while acknowledging potential implications for inequality.
Effective Followership: The Essence of The Leader-Coach
This finding aligns closely with Robert Kelly's concept of efficient followership, which emphasizes nurturing team members to think independently, hone their skills, and demonstrate qualities such as grit, self-control, and courage. In essence, the role of leaders shortly will involve teaching followers to become future leaders themselves, perpetuating a cycle of developing effective and innovative team players. By fostering an environment where individuals take ownership of their work and contribute creatively, managers not only enhance organizational productivity but also cultivate a culture of empowerment and continuous improvement. This approach not only supports the evolving nature of middle management but also contributes to the long-term success and sustainability of organizations in an ever-changing business landscape.
Be Remarkably Self-Aware!
Undertaking the role of nurturing future leaders demands a leader with a remarkable sense of awareness. This heightened awareness is crucial because it necessitates knowing when to step into the spotlight and when to empower team members to take the lead. Effective leaders in this capacity build trust by empathizing with the intrinsic motivations of those they nurture, embracing diverse perspectives and bits of intelligence, and avoiding a one-size-fits-all mindset. Rather than relying solely on rules and extrinsic incentives, they motivate and inspire through intentional actions that resonate with individuals on a deeper level. This sense of self-awareness serves as a safeguard, particularly in an era of increasing automation and AI, where middle managers risk becoming obsolete. By prioritizing the development of interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, leaders can adapt to the changing landscape of work and remain indispensable assets to their organizations.
Be Remarkably Humane!
In light of the evolving demands placed on leaders, executive training programs must take a different approach. The traditional focus on grooming leaders to excel in executive skills like presentation and negotiation skills is no longer sufficient. Instead, there is a growing imperative to cultivate leaders who embody qualities akin to William Wordsworth's "The Happy Warrior" – individuals who are emotionally intelligent and humane; possessing unwavering integrity and moral character. Moreover, to effectively nurture and teach future leaders, today's executives must also master the art of efficient followership. By understanding the dynamics of collaboration, empowerment, and trust-building, leaders can foster environments conducive to growth and innovation. Last but not least, good leaders must teach! Leadership programs should enable leaders to encapsulate the consummate ability to teach! The executive training programs of the near future must not neglect the development of these multifaceted skills and attributes to prepare leaders to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and inspire others to become self-aware warriors!