And what if the role of leaders was—also—to simplify managers’ work in order to free up some of their time? Good middle managers can make all the difference, not only in ensuring the proper execution of strategy, but also in developing the teams and retaining talents. But do managers truly have the time and availability to devote themselves fully to these missions?

For example, in one healthcare company, middle managers had to handle an average of 300 requests from the head office and senior management every week. That much less attention available to support employee development! Managers' schedules were overloaded with reporting, supervisory committees and administrative tasks of every kind. The company initiated a process of pruning and sorting, starting from the managers' perspective and asking them what was really important in their eyes to allow them to accomplish their missions.

A rethinking process from which any organization would benefit from inspiring itself, to avoid the inflation of demands on managers and help them focus on what truly provides value to the organization.

Source: Are middle managers your next ace in the hole?, Emily Field, Bryan Hancock, The McKinsey Podcast, August 2023.