Negative stereotypes of middle management abound. Cursory research will throw up adjectival phrases like “unimaginative”, “obstructive” and “resistant to change”. I’ve even had the rather dubious pleasure of hearing a former oil company CEO describe middle managers as mere channels of communication. Whilst I would love to say his tenure ended because of this rather unappreciative view of his lieutenants, the truth is that he kept dancing in his birthday suit until the effects of his unique management approach began to have a detrimental effect on the company’s cost base and, ultimately, its share price. Given the negative stereotypes of middle managers which abound, the question is why anyone with a modicum of common sense and a pulse would join such an unappreciated guild? Put differently, why would anyone want to do a thankless job, which, in my humble opinion, does not necessarily offer a difference in remuneration that is commensurate with the stress involved? Just ask the manager at your local branch of your favourite retail outlet—if you have one that is! The flip-side though is that it is these very people—with a reasonable amount of common sense that is—whom senior management insist on promoting into middle management. When I consider this paradox, I imagine one of the mischievous Greek gods of old, maybe even Zeus himself, rolling on the floor of Mt. Olympus with laughter. If you are good at your job, you can guarantee that it is only a matter of time before someone somewhere identifies you as a talent worth retaining and “rewarding” with more responsibility. In my case, it would normally be at this juncture (of being recognized that is) that I would make an exit from the company worthy of a 100 meter sprint title. Regrettably though, one gets to a point in life, having worn out several running shoes, or simply finding themselves in a dead alley, that he or she stops running, turns around, and squares up to the pursuing foe with all the energy that can be mustered. I entered my own personal dead alley a while ago, and continue to do battle until this very day with varying levels of success. The prize for victory being an exit pass from the middle. I decided to write this blog as a chronicle of my experiences, battle strategies, intractable complaints, and humorous observations. In some ways also, as a record by which progress in the journey towards senior management can be evaluated. I also hope that it provides an opportunity for others to share their insights and advice, through commentary, and associated posts. Or who knows, it may simply serve as a beacon to warn others not to follow the same path that I have! Java