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To help middle managers succeed, create a stronger support system.
August 2009 |
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Stress is Highest for Middle Managers
A recent global survey conducted by McKinsey shows that middle managers are suffering high levels of stress during the current economic crisis, higher than executive leaders.
Reflection Questions
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What are you doing to manage your own stress?
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What is your organization doing to help middle managers cope with stress more effectively?
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What can you do to reduce the pressures that middle managers experience?
What Causes Middle Management Stress?
A common source of stress for middle managers is that expectations from executive leaders, clients and employees are extremely high. But the support structures to help middle managers deal with the gap between "where we are" and "where we want to be" are weak.
Coaching as a Support Structure
Most of our coaching clients report to us that one of the major benefits they receive from coaching is stress reduction. Having an objective third party as a sounding board helps managers cope with the pressures of being a middle manager. As one client expressed it, "Since I began the coaching program, I'm taking less stress home to my family." Perhaps this is why 42% of the organizations who sponsor coaching programs allow managers at all levels to participate -- not just executive leaders. (Sherpa Executive Coaching Survey, 2009).
Your Opinion, Please
Click here to participate in a poll about the stresses you experience on the job.
Take Action
For more information on how you can offer an affordable coaching program to middle managers in your organization, contact us at info@forwardfocusinc.com or call 973-785-3474.
Copyright 2009 Forward Focus
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