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Also, being a middle manager isn't much fun either. Basically all meetings and bullshit, and you get shit from people below you and above you. Upper managemen

Also, being a middle manager isn't much fun either. Basically all meetings and bullshit, and you get shit from people below you and above you. Upper management blames you for anything going wrong and workers blame you for, well, everything. You need to motivate, teach and provide resources while dealing with all the bullshit from above and a lack of resources. But as you pointed out, it's necessary otherwise everyone has to deal with the bullshit.

ThalesX 5y ago
> You need to motivate, teach and provide resources while dealing with all the bullshit from above and a lack of resources. What would a middle manager need to teach me? Genuinely curious, as a person that enjoys learning, and have been doing it on my own for awhile.
- slv77 5y ago
  How to navigate organizational power structures to secure what is needed to get something done (both the formal and informal structures). How to establish organizational boundaries so that a teams capacity isn’t redirected. How to navigate upper management culture to communicate in a way they expect. How and why teams are organized the way they are and the pros and cons of different structures. How to position a team for growth and how to position a team during a period of consolidation. How to be therapist, mentor, mediator or executioner depending on the day.
- Mikeb85 5y ago
  I mean, in small enough orgs they're typically workers who have been promoted so they can teach the required skills. I guess in bigger orgs there's another layer...
chrisdhoover 5y ago
Director is the worst position in a company. You aren’t really a VP working on big plans and you still have nagging line manager duties.
- Mikeb85 5y ago
  Hah I could see that...
rexstjohn 5y ago
I once was in a discussion between two former <FAANG> VPs. They were mentioning someone who had been at their prior <FAANG> co for 20 years. VP 1: “Jason? He is still there? How?” VP 2: “He never managed anyone.” I thought about that a lot. What is it about being middle management that is so lethal? Its exactly as you said: Liabilities from from above, below and sideways. Why would anyone ever sign up for that?

ThalesX 5y ago

> You need to motivate, teach and provide resources while dealing with all the bullshit from above and a lack of resources. What would a middle manager need to teach me? Genuinely curious, as a person that enjoys learning, and have been doing it on my own for awhile.

slv77 5y ago
How to navigate organizational power structures to secure what is needed to get something done (both the formal and informal structures). How to establish organizational boundaries so that a teams capacity isn’t redirected. How to navigate upper management culture to communicate in a way they expect. How and why teams are organized the way they are and the pros and cons of different structures. How to position a team for growth and how to position a team during a period of consolidation. How to be therapist, mentor, mediator or executioner depending on the day.
Mikeb85 5y ago
I mean, in small enough orgs they're typically workers who have been promoted so they can teach the required skills. I guess in bigger orgs there's another layer...

chrisdhoover 5y ago

Director is the worst position in a company. You aren’t really a VP working on big plans and you still have nagging line manager duties.

Mikeb85 5y ago
Hah I could see that...

rexstjohn 5y ago

I once was in a discussion between two former <FAANG> VPs. They were mentioning someone who had been at their prior <FAANG> co for 20 years. VP 1: “Jason? He is still there? How?” VP 2: “He never managed anyone.” I thought about that a lot. What is it about being middle management that is so lethal? Its exactly as you said: Liabilities from from above, below and sideways. Why would anyone ever sign up for that?