From EO Melbourne, we share the skills of a great middle manager.

“Middle management” is the level in a corporate structure that bridges the senior executives and the junior ranks. While most startups are working with a lean configuration of staff members and flatter organizational chart, many larger organizations find benefits in layers and hierarchy. Still others will make the case for a flat organizational structure even as they grow.

For business leaders who are weighing the benefits of hiring managers, let’s review what these middle roles can bring to your team.

RELATIONSHIP BUILDERS

Middle managers have a closer relationship with frontline employees, which makes their role as relationship builders crucial to the business.

These individuals must be effective in translating the vision and mission of the enterprise to the day-to-day operations and activities of their team. Likewise, competent middle managers will communicate to senior staff any rumblings of dissatisfaction among entry-level employees.