You know, being a middle manager is tough. You’re juggling the expectations of your boss, your team, and everything in between. I’ve been there, and I know how overwhelming it can feel. But here’s the thing – the middle isn’t a bad place to be. In fact, it’s where you can really shine and have the biggest impact on your team and your organisation.
So, I want to share a few tips with you – things I’ve seen work time and time again – to help you step up your game and make middle management work for you.
1. Influence: You’ve Got More of It Than You Think
This isn’t about just doing what’s asked of you. It’s about shaping things, having a voice in the decision-making process. I remember working with Rachel (not her real name), who felt like she was just a gofer / dogsbody / errand-girl. Realising she could have more sway, she started aligning her team’s work with the bigger company goals and made sure to communicate her wins to leadership. Pretty soon, she wasn’t just passing down messages – she was part of the conversation. And you can be too!
2. Listen, Talk, Repeat
Good communication can change everything. It’s not just about giving directions – it’s about making sure everyone feels heard, from your team to your boss. Trust me, transparent communication is your superpower. Keep your team in the loop, ask for their input, and listen. The more you communicate openly, the stronger your relationships will be – your team will thank you for it. And you’ll thank your team too, you’ll be surprised how much more they can value add, and want to.
3. Get Comfortable with Delegating
We’ve all been there – drowning in tasks we could have passed on to someone else. But you don’t have to do everything yourself. Delegating is not only a great way to lighten your load, it shows your team that you trust them. Let them step up, and you’ll see how much more you can achieve together. Delegate smartly and focus on the bigger picture.
4. Never Stop Learning
Here’s a truth: the best leaders are always learning. Whether it’s through reading, attending webinars, or just absorbing lessons from the day-to-day, don’t stand still. Keep growing. After all, how can you lead your team to new heights if you’re not reaching for them yourself?
5. Build Relationships that Matter
Leadership isn’t about barking orders; it’s about building trust. Get to know your team. Talk to them, listen to them, and make them feel valued. When your people trust you, they’ll follow you. It’s as simple as that.
6. Stay Calm and Lead On
When things go wrong (and let’s be honest, they will), it’s easy to feel the pressure. But your team looks to you for guidance. When you stay calm and focused, even in chaos, it reassures them. Be the leader who keeps their cool when the heat is on. Gary’s team were powering ahead with their project when the senior executive announced the company had been sold and the new owners were wanting an immediate restructure. The sale was not news but the restructure announcement triggered lots of concern and stress leading to speculation and gossip. Gary immediately called a team meeting to listen to everyone’s concerns, gather questions he could take to his leader, and encourage his team to continue with their work as the restructure details hadn’t been announced. He reminded everyone that staying the course until instructed otherwise helps everyone stay calm.
Now, if any of these tips hit home and you’re nodding along thinking, Yes, that’s me!, I’ve got something for you.
The Middle Managers Online Muster is Back!
I’m super excited to invite you to join me for my Middle Managers Online Muster starting on 28th October 2024. This is where we’ll dive deep into all the real-world, no-fluff stuff that makes a middle manager great. Every Monday from 12:30 pm to 2:30 pm AEST, we’ll cover everything from building influence to delegation and keeping your team engaged.
And guess what? If you register early, you’ll be in with a chance to win a FREE pass to the entire series!
To grab your spot and learn more, click here: Middle Managers Online Muster 2024.
And there’s one more thing – if you’ve got questions (and I bet you do), we’re finishing the muster with an Ask Me Anything session on 19th November 2024. So, no burning question will go unanswered!
I can’t wait to see you there, and help you become the confident, capable middle manager you’re destined to be.
Keep leading with purpose
P.S. Don’t wait – the sooner you sign up, the sooner you can start stepping into your full leadership potential. Grab your spot now: Middle Managers Online Muster 2024.
