HR Outsourcing, Human Resources, Leadership
The Middle Manager Dilemma: Breaking Barriers to Success
Middle management is a crucial yet often misunderstood role in organizations. Many managers find themselves struggling with expectations that don’t align with their skills, interests, or workload.
Here are four key challenges facing middle managers—and how organizations can address them.
Reality #1: The Promotion Pathway
Many employees are promoted to management because they excel in their current role, not necessarily because they want—or are equipped—to lead. However, leadership should not be the only growth path available. Organizations can introduce alternative career pathways, such as:
- Assigning project oversight roles to individuals with strong external relationships and strategic skills.
- Creating career coaching positions for subject matter experts (SMEs) to mentor others without becoming direct managers.
Organizations often struggle to allocate time for leadership training. However, coaching can be a powerful tool to transform managers into true leaders and help them reach the next level, if that’s something they really desire.
Reality #2: The Catch-22 of Experience
Many leadership roles require previous management experience, yet few organizations provide a clear way for employees to gain that experience. As a result, companies either:
- Promote employees who lack managerial expertise, setting them up for potential struggles.
- Limit internal growth because no one meets the experience requirement.
To break this cycle, organizations must develop structured exposure opportunities, such as mentorship programs, interim leadership assignments, or rotational leadership experiences. Performance management processes should include development opportunities. This also helps with staff retention and attraction.
Reality #3: The Blanket Title Problem
Not all leadership roles are created equal, yet organizations often lump them together under broad titles like “manager” or “supervisor.” In reality:
- Supervisors oversee task assignments and workflow.
- Managers are responsible for conduct, compliance, and operational success.
- Leaders focus on skill development and long-term growth.
Clearly defining these roles aligns expectations with responsibilities, improving hiring, training, and overall performance. A well-integrated talent strategy—connecting workforce planning, succession planning, performance management, and organizational development—is essential for cohesive success.
Reality #4: The Overloaded Manager
Many middle managers are expected to continue operating as individual contributors while taking on additional management duties. This dual role often leads to:
- A lack of time for coaching and performance conversations.
- Managers focusing on task completion rather than team development.
- Overall burnout.
Organizations must intentionally design management roles with the capacity to lead effectively, rather than overloading managers with operational work.
Middle management doesn’t have to be a frustrating experience for employees or organizations. By redefining career pathways, creating development opportunities, clarifying role expectations, and ensuring appropriate capacity, companies can set their middle managers up for success. Investing in these changes leads to stronger teams, better leadership, and overall business success.
Want to hear more from Exude Human Capital Consulting on this topic?
- Check out our podcast with our Co-Founder, Alison DiFlorio, and Special Guest, Andre Young: Supporting Your Middle Managers
- Check out our webinar with two of our Senior Consultants, RoMaine Jones-Wise and Douglas May: Stuck in the Middle – Empowering Your Middle Managers
At Exude Human Capital our team of experts are here to share best practices as we review strategies that support your unique organization. We know that the best human resources consulting solutions are custom-designed to meet each client’s needs. For more information on Exude Human Capital Consulting and to schedule a complementary 30-minute consultation with one of our experienced professionals CONTACT US.
