How to get Ahead as a Middle Manager
Brian Richards, President of en world Singapore
PMETs make up more than half of Singapore’s workforce and a huge proportion are middle managers. Challenged by the need to juggle conflicting roles, and facing stiff peer competition for the attention of senior management, it is no wonder that so many find it hard to climb the ranks to coveted higher level positions.
The term, “middle manager” is not clearly defined, but in general refers to someone who is charged with supervising several employees, but does not manage other supervisors.
Caught between senior management and subordinates, a middle manager’s position can involve a lot of stress with relatively little reward. Middle managers need to supervise their direct reports and provide mentorship to their juniors, while at the same time answering to their own bosses and clients. Keeping both those above and those below happy can be a difficult balancing act.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel. The key is to think and act like the leaders several levels above you. Here are some tips to help you to stand out from the crowd and get ahead.
1) Take control
Research shows that displaying certain power competencies, such as ambition, along with the ability to influence others, resolve conflict and effect change, make a middle manager both more effective and better liked. These skills and qualities are strongly associated with senior management and are key to moving up the corporate ladder.
2) Walk the talk
Gandhi advised, “Become the change you wish to see in the world.” You want to be recognized as a credible and accountable team player, so it is essential that you honor your commitments and deliver on them. Never make a promise you can’t keep, whether to your boss, a subordinate, or a business partner. The old adage, “Under-promise and over-deliver” applies. Ultimately, your bosses will want to leave their jobs in safe hands.
3) Work smart
Time management is an area where many overwhelmed middle managers can improve. The right combination of tools and practices can free up to an hour a day to spend on those tasks that actually move the needle of the business. Use technology intelligently and prioritize to focus on what counts, and reduce time spent on less important tasks and activities.
4) Manage your boss
Recent studies suggest that the most effective managers consciously manage their relationships with not only their subordinates, but their bosses as well. The importance of this can not be overstated, as your bosses are your links to the rest of the organization. By managing your relationships with them you can influence their decisions regarding priorities and secure the resources that will allow you to excel at your job.
5) Get a mentor
Whether you advance in your current company or through a move to another company, a mentor higher up the ladder is invaluable. Your mentor will coach you on the political subtleties of the organization and can talk up your achievements to the people who have the power to move your career forward.
About en world:
en world is an international recruiting agency, focusing on managerial and senior-level career solutions. en world was established in Japan in 1999 and has expanded to Singapore, Hong Kong, Korea, Australia and Vietnam. With 270 staff representing 15 nationalities in 10 offices, we are supporting over 12,000 placements with 2,400 clients across the Asia Pacific Region. en world is a subsidiary of en-japan inc, Japan’s leading internet-based recruitment solutions provider.