By Kris Routch
In a month, ABC television will end one of its most interesting and cult-creating shows after seven wild, mind-bending seasons. The show is “Lost” and whether you watch it or not, you probably are aware of the show’s premise. A plane crash strands a group of characters on a strange island in the South Pacific from which there is seemingly no escape while at the same time danger, mysteries, and evolving personal relationships test each of the characters (as well as millions of the show’s followers).
So how is this relevant here? Well, to understand that let me share with you some personal background. As someone who has spent the better part of the last few years studying the plight of today’s mid-level leaders, I’m starting to realize that their life is more similar to the poor souls on “Lost” than we might imagine. So let me explain why.
Like our “Losties” (as they are referred to by “Lost” groupies), today’s mid-level leaders began a corporate journey that somewhere along the way changed direction and they ended up in a strange place called “middle management” that they neither recognize nor for which they are adequately prepared. As they struggle to survive in their new world, on instincts alone, they get progressively frustrated by not seeing a way to escape their “island” in the middle of the organization. Those that have managed to survive are having to do more with less and are getting more stressed and less effective. Most importantly, while they know they need help, they are having trouble seeing any on the horizon.
So begins the story of the plight of today’s mid-level leaders. Stay tuned for my upcoming blogs where I will explore how and why they’ve ended up on their “island”, why we should care about them, and what we as organizations can do to rescue them. However, for now, like a good serial television show, you’ll have to wait until the next episode.
In the meantime, feel free to tell us why you believe your mid-level leaders may be “lost” within your organization.
Kris Routch is an executive consultant for Development Dimensions International (DDI).
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