First Post

Managing from the middle, in between skilled workers and execs, is an enormous role, not focused on in business circles nearly enough and given little praise. And as a result, middle managers are falling to the way-side, tired of the non stop responsibilities they shoulder and bailing out for an easier role that gives them more time for personal and family life. See what USA Today wrote last fall about this plight of middle managers and how many are giving up on the role entirely: click here.

The departure of middle managers leaves a large hole in most organizations, a hole that has to be filled. Someone has to step up and find a way to be an excellent, but even more importantly, a contented middle manager. And there's the challenge. Finding ways to not only be great as a middle manager, but also not exhausting yourself in the process. Its about being excellent yes, but not at the cost of forsaking all other things in life. This isn't an easy or perfect road, but those that choose to travel it will be among the elite who stick it out and become the experts. Welcome to the squeeze.