If you spend any time on social media (Twitter especially), you will run into a lot of different people. However, those that use the social media on a multi-tiered basis (and use it for work) tend to fall into a few groups. These groups are: the thought leaders, the established execs, the up and comers and the earnest noobs.
Various forms of these basic types run parallel to each other in a variety of different fields. The break down is clearer in marketing/pr circles because of the larger demographic (and the tendency for marketers and pr people to have a lot of data).
That group of individuals would seem to be the make up of most businesses correct? You are right in a sense, they are. But a voice in that stream is missing. Who's voice? The Middle Manager.
Rodney Dangerfield would have to be a Middle Manager because they both get "no respect". Often that manager has to do the firing, hiring and messy business decisions that don't exactly translate well into a transparent environment. But they are essential parts of a company and often keep the wheels greased so the company can move forward.How can we include them in the conversation then?
The answer is not easy nor is it simple. But in order to transform the corporate environment and invite everyone to the party, you have to invite the people that may not always deal with the "fun" parts of business. I think this is one of the first barriers from an executive (and the actual middle manager) to entering into an open conversation and sharing themselves and their brand with the world.
Who would care if the TPS reports didn't have their covers besides me? Middle Managers are people too and have valid needs and concerns that need to be addressed in order for companies to continue to function. It's great to reinvent the wheel, it's sexy, fun and very exciting. However, you still need your middle management team to keep your ship in order and from going to much off course.
This is a serious problem in social media. You can't run a company with great executives and great recruits: you still need a bridge to close the gap between them and season the recruits and act as a conduit for flack that the executive could potentially take.
So middle managers: I'm challenging you to join in on the conversation online and make more of an impact with your grounded concerns. I may not agree with you, but I do want to hear your voice.
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tagged as bridge, corporate structure, Marketing, middle management, middle managers, no respect, Social Media, social media middle management, tps reports
