The Value of Mid-Level Management

I define management as the act of getting people to work together to achieve a common goal. In most organizations, the responsibility and roles of management vary by level and in most, the senior level management is responsible for the overall direction or strategy of the company and the middle level management is responsible for the tactical component that implements the plan developed by the senior level.



Strategic business initiatives and desired outcomes are normally focused on the financial results including shareholder satisfaction. Mid-level managers are responsible for the interlocking functions associated with management like organizing, planning, controlling, coordinating, and commanding. This responsibility also includes the utilization of available resources needed to produce the desired results.





Mid-level managers are responsible for developing plans of action, understanding policies and procedures, monitoring the progress of the department in relation to their goals, maintaining budget requirements, and keeping the workforce engaged.



In other words, it is the mid-level manager’s responsibility to clarify the business strategy so everyone can understand the plan or direction of the company. They must continue to break down the strategic business plans into functional plans that can be satisfied at the workforce level, make decisions and solve problems so that the plans are implemented properly, and then monitor the progress. This monitoring allows the manager to manage using metrics and help senior management take any corrective action to keep the ship on course.



The functionality of the strategy and the tactical application is the key for any company and the middle management will always continue to be the glue that adheres the top of the company to the bottom.



Isn’t it time to realize that if you improve the productivity of your people and focus on the development of their strengths, the end result will be a more effective organization? Especially if they are about to become mid-level managers.