Middle management
I admit it.
I willingly became a middle manager.
Heck, I even earned a Masters Degree (in Information Technology & Management, UNC-Greensboro, 2001) so that I could make it happen.
I made the Dilbertian bargain of foregoing specific technical expertise in order to become a generalist.
I had no idea, however, that it would largely be an exercise in psychology and personality management.
It’s really been quite the surprising thing to note, as I look back over the past 6 years, just how much time & effort I put into juggling the personalities of my staff, as well as that of my boss. The line staff tend to be (rightfully) very task focused/oriented. They’re focused on the micro picture, and often view problem solving through the prism of individual task/project requirements. My boss is (also rightfully) by comparison much more focused on things macro. The proverbial big, strategic, picture. And I’m the middle-management meat in between these two slices of bread.
Now, it’s not a bad thing, not really. But it is a bit frustrating at times, particularly when the two sides present goals, ideas, opinions, & preferences that are, at best, not aware of the other side’s and, at worst, in direct opposition to the other. IOW, a lot of the juggling comes in when those above me are focused on the macro movement of big, project-sized, pieces of what we do & where we want to go. They don’t want to be bothered with how it gets done. Until they do, that is… The staff below me almost inevitably views things in the micro sense, limited to the immediate tasks & how to complete them. Being told to do something in a certain way, especially when that clashes with their sense of “right” or “efficient”, well that takes a certain type of coaxing. What really makes it challenging is when those above are “Boomers” and those below are “Millennials” — commenting on refereeing between those two generations could fill a whole series of postings!
I’m not complaining, mind you. Not really. It is interesting to note that this type of “touchy-feely” stuff goes very much against my personality type. It’s always draining, often frustrating, but oddly satisfying. I ask God every day for the strength to be properly empathetic, sympathetic, and wise as I go about my daily tasks.
In any event, those of you who are middle managers, I think you’ll nod your heads in agreement. Those who aren’t, but are interested in it, be forewarned. Those who don’t care either way, well, I’m surprised you’re still reading this. ;^)
Interestingly enough, the biggest challenge coming up isn’t, I think, dealing with the aging Boomers - heck, I’ve been having to deal with them my entire life. I even sort of “get” them & where they’re coming from. No, it’s dealing with the kids who were born in the 80’s - the Millennials. I just don’t get them & what is going on inside their heads. I have theories as to why they are like they are (surprise! it traces back to the Boomers…), but expounding on them is fodder for future postings.
That’s enough for now.
-ghp
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