Middle managers do not create value directly. They can only create the conditions for value creation by others. They can do so actively, by understanding their team and making changes, or defensively, by protecting their team from threats.
If they are 100% busy with optics and reporting, the only thing they can possibly be doing is defensive work. At which point the game becomes clear - an organization so addicted to those approaches is actively suspicious of their own employees, trust has broken down, it’s everyone for themselves.
If they are 100% busy with optics and reporting, the only thing they can possibly be doing is defensive work. At which point the game becomes clear - an organization so addicted to those approaches is actively suspicious of their own employees, trust has broken down, it’s everyone for themselves.