Session Focus:  Ideate on required skills, capabilities & latest trends for developing NextGen middle managers enabling workplace agility.

In this insightful roundtable discussion, learning leaders from various organizations came together to ideate on the required skills, capabilities, and latest trends for developing the next generation of middle managers, enabling workplace agility.

The session focused on the unique challenges faced by mid-level managers, who are often caught in the middle, lacking resources, and struggling with work-life balance. As one participant poignantly stated, "Middle managers are really stressed, and what I thought was really interesting is where they're spending their time – 18% on administrative tasks and 31% on individual contributor work."

Key Takeaways:

1. Mid-level managers face unique challenges, including being caught in the middle, lack of resources, work-life balance issues, and spending too much time on administrative/individual contributor work instead of strategic leadership.

2. Developing critical skills such as emotional intelligence, accountability, coaching, strategic influence, and managing up is crucial for mid-managers' success.

3. Cohort-based leadership development programs, especially cross-company ones that foster psychological safety, can effectively address mid-managers' needs through personalized learning, peer sharing, and hands-on application.

The session delved into various use cases and approaches to mid-manager development, including cross-company cohort models with intimate groups focusing on personal development, coaching skills, and strategic influence. Participants also shared insights from their organizations' programs, highlighting the importance of building trust, collaboration, and addressing personal challenges.

As organizations strive for workplace agility, investing in the development of mid-level managers emerges as a critical priority. By equipping these leaders with the necessary skills and creating supportive learning environments, companies can unlock the potential of their middle management and drive organizational success.

Join us in our upcoming events to continue exploring innovative strategies for developing the next generation of mid-level leaders, fostering an agile and future-ready workforce.