Embracing the Joys of Middle Management

Middle management is not for the faint of heart. 

You face daily demands from leaders higher up the food chain and from the people who report to you. You juggle multiple projects and deadlines of your own, and you’re responsible for making sure your team members stay on track and complete their projects. It sometimes seems that you get all the blame when something goes wrong, but none of the credit when it goes well.

So why would anyone aspire to management?

As someone who has worked in middle management for decades, I can confirm that the challenges are many, but so are the rewards. Today, let’s focus on the latter. Here are some of the best things about working in management generally and middle management specifically:

• Higher compensation. This is probably obvious, but managers usually get paid more than the people they manage. Since money is an integral part of life, this is a benefit that shouldn’t be overlooked, and it’s usually a major factor in people deciding to seek a role in management. (I would argue that middle managers earn every cent they get, but I’m biased.)
• The chance to be involved in a company on many different levels. As a middle manager, you spend time with higher-level executives working on long-term strategy and setting big, companywide goals. You also spend time with the people you manage, delving into the details of specific projects on a much smaller scale. This provides a unique view of the business, allowing you to see how each employee's work translates into progress toward larger goals. Having that vision helps you make better decisions and lead more effectively.
• The opportunity to have a tangible impact on the business. Again, because you’re working both up and down the chain, you can participate in a wide variety of projects. You can work on something specific—like creating a book—that will be meaningful for one client. And you can work on something more general—like developing a new process—that could be meaningful for all the workers at the company. While carrying such a broad range of responsibilities can be stressful, it can also be invigorating and exciting, especially when a project comes together to improve other people’s lives.
• The opportunity to gain experience that will prepare you for career growth. By working on different kinds of projects, you develop your management and leadership skills in many directions. This can help you determine what steps you want to take next in your career while also preparing you for promotion. Furthermore, you’ll have an opportunity to rub shoulders with higher-level executives in your company and other organizations, allowing you to build your network for the future.
• The chance to work with a team and help people grow in their careers. This is my favorite part of working as a middle manager, because people are the foundation of any business. As a middle manager, you listen to direction from upper executives and translate it in a meaningful way for your team members. You help your people set goals, and you try to clear the path so they can achieve the goals they set. You work closely with them on individual projects, providing guidance and backup. You give them opportunities to learn new things. You motivate them when they’re frustrated, ease their anxiety when they’re overwhelmed, praise them when they succeed, and offer constructive criticism when they struggle. You referee their conflicts, and you sometimes help them navigate personal challenges related to health and family. Through all of this, you have the privilege of positively impacting another person’s life. There’s no better feeling than watching your team members succeed and progress. If you’re a good manager, you’re as happy about their growth and development as they are, even if that means they eventually leave your team for bigger and better things. It’s exhausting and mentally draining at times, but it can also lead to moments of fun and pure joy, and a career full of satisfaction.

When I started my career as a newspaper reporter, that’s all I wanted to be. I never expected to become a manager. However, I’m continually thankful for the opportunities I’ve had over the years to serve in several management roles. Managing has made me a better worker and a better person. 

When you’re having a tough day as a manager, I hope remembering these and other benefits of the job will help you push through the challenges. You’ll be glad you did. I promise.

What did I miss on my list of the positive aspects of working in middle management? Let me know in the comments, and let’s talk about it.