If I’ve heard it once I’ve heard it a thousand times, “We need better mid-level management.” No, you don’t. You shouldn’t want mid-level management. And you don’t need mid-level management. What you should be seeking is great mid-level leadership!
Now don’t going saying this is just semantics. It isn’t. Words matter. No one wants to be managed. You manage things. You lead people. Developing great leaders at all levels of the organization will provide the following:
- More localized decision making
- A strong succession plan
- Growth opportunities for your people within the organization
- Accountability at all levels of the organization
- A stronger workplace culture that attracts and retains the best people
When you develop leadership at mid and lower levels you are teaching people how to take responsibility and make decisions. Decisions made at lower levels in the organization mean that leaders at higher levels can remain focused on their critical issues. It also means that decisions are made quicker, on the spot, and results are achieved faster.
Developing leadership throughout the organization means that when needs arise you do not need to go outside your organization, you have the people with leadership skills on site and fully up to speed on the culture of the organization.
Moving these leaders up within the organization shows everyone that they do not need to leave to gain advancement. This confidence keeps your great people at home, in the organization.
Developing leaders means teaching them how to make decisions that consistently connect to your values. When leaders make decisions that connect to the values at all levels of the organization your culture is stronger. When a positive culture lives vibrantly throughout the organization positive results shows up on the bottom line.
Ultimately, developing leadership throughout the organization creates a better organization. If you have defined a positive culture and you have the leadership to insure the continuity of that culture, you will always attract and retain the best people.
Training managers is great if they are managing IT, inventory, or the physical asset. When it comes to your people, always look to identify and develop leadership at all levels of your organization.
