When it comes to the workplace, do we really need an intimidating managerial presence lurching over us as we attempt to get on with our job? Managers can either be a great tool or a great distraction, but in 2020, are managers still necessary when all that really may be missing is some pepping up and motivation.
According to Adam Bryant, Managing Director of Merryck & Co, the term of manager is ‘outdated’ and associated with negative connotations, and instead should be changed to the broader term of ‘coach’ as to not create an obvious structure of hierarchy which can be both intimidating and unmotivational for staff. Instead, a coach can help develop the skillset and productivity of staff by providing training and guidance, as well encouraging a more ‘team effort’ approach to work and tasks as opposed to working just for the appeasement of management which can leave staff feeling devalued.
Coach Vs Manager
Replacing managers with the more supportive title of coach encourages a more ‘level playing field’ within a company, with the person assigned the title of coach operating with a team rather than leading it, while also being a position of support and encouragement as opposed to micromanagement and reporting.
Getting the job done
Staff are now taking on full responsibility for their assigned tasks and duties, with the position of manager beginning to be phased out from the work structure altogether. Although managers were once a necessity for businesses in ensuring that performance from staff was measured and matched with company expectations, as roles have progressed with the rise of start-up companies and entrepreneurs relying on smaller teams with specific expertise and skills, staff have seen responsibilities shared evenly and the overall expectation of completion of tasks placed solely on them.
Are managers still necessary?
In a word, yes. While some sectors such as start-ups and more technology originated fields may no longer find the role of an overseeing manager a vital ingredient in the running of a business, when it comes to industries such as retail and hospitality, a manager actively managing a team of people is still very much required and needed.
What Get Licensed says
We all want a little bit of support and positivity in the workplace, and while a manager may not necessarily be the first person you would turn to when in need of a little bit of TLC, a coach is certainly someone with the ability to motivate and to inspire. And when it comes to working in a team, sometimes a little of encouragement is all we really need.
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