Understanding the Role of Managers and Their Pressures
Managers juggle multiple responsibilities, such as supporting team development and relaying clear communication from top management. However, they often feel pressured to satisfy both parties, leading to energy depletion.
According to Harvard Business Review, managers frequently experience overwhelm, frustration, and exhaustion. Organizationally, they face higher rates of depression and stress compared to other roles.
The Impact on Tolerance and Team Dynamics
When managers strive to please both their teams and superiors, they may become less tolerant. This is evident when team members seek clarification on tasks, only to receive poor responses. As a result, employees opt for less support to avoid conflicts.
“We start feeling like just another number, and interactions become transactional, focusing solely on results,” explains Nefris Ventura.
Time Dedicated to Low-Value Tasks
Deloitte reports that 40% of managers spend their time on issues generating little to no value.
Four Tips for Maintaining Harmony
Despite the pressures, four out of ten individuals in a Deloitte study frequently feel exhausted. Here are four tips to avoid burnout:
- Seek assistance: Managers should occasionally ask their superiors for help in communicating with teams, gaining insight into the middle management role.
- Prioritize rest: Managers must avoid taking work home and engage in outdoor activities or hobbies to prevent off-hour stress.
- Exercise sound judgment: The study advises managers to hone their decision-making skills, especially during uncertain times.
- Mentorship and training: Nefris Ventura emphasizes the importance of managerial training within companies, as many require guidance. Even top management can offer mentorship.
“Judgment is the ability to understand an organization’s history, culture, and context, using human capabilities like empathy and imagination to guide direction and improvise instead of rigidly applying rules,” the study notes.
Managerial Challenges in Personnel Management
Many managers struggle with personnel management, as 36% of middle managers feel insufficiently prepared to lead a team, according to Deloitte.
