4 ms·

> Not sure if that is sarcastic or not, but the whole article seems to be "middle manager doesn't like basic parts of being a middle manager". Can you share wh

• Suppafly 2y ago
  >I was unexpectedly appointed manager Presumably you were either on the track for management or agreed to accept the position in lieu of some other sort of transfer or lay off, much like the person in the article. Management isn't for everyone, but nothing in the article sounds out of bounds for a normal management job and 21 reports isn't really a lot.
  • richbell 2y ago
    21 reports may not be a lot in a vacuum. It is certainly an overwhelming number of people to suddenly become responsible for — even more so if the team is spread across different cultures and time zones.
  • morgango 2y ago
    21 direct reports is far too many to be an effective manager. I currently manage 8 technical people and 8-10 seems to be the sweet spot, where I have time to do things like have 1-1s, help with career planning, get people promoted, deal with escalations or cross-team issues, hire replacements, etc. I have had as many as 15 and after 10 you really just have to start picking what you want to fall off of your plate as a manager. Unfortunately, the things that fall off first are the things that help your direct reports the most. Eventually, you just get behind on everything and end up being completely reactive and only able to focus on short-term solutions. 21 direct reports are a lot if you want to be a good manager and support your people.