A blog that I got to read in Linked in titled as R.I.P Manager Declare Dead was interesting. While the points were good and worth thinking, I do not agree with the title.
It would be incorrect to say that Manager is Dead. When I say so I do not mean to be politically correct.
The role has undergone change. For example, ability to control (which was always considered as a key aspect of managerial job) has undergone significant change. In my view, the traditional control has now evolved to include “Ability to Influence” within the framework of control. The tools for control has moved from “breathing over shoulder” to “shifting through data and reports” The changes could be many more. I would rather say the role and competencies required for a manager has gone through a metamorphosis.
Another dimension that has seen huge change is in the nature of demand and resources being available. The earlier manager had to deal with challenges that were less dynamic then now. Take example of the people in the managers team. Today everything is on higher side:
- Competencies
- Aspirations
- Expectations
- Distractions at workplace as well as personal life
- Communication and networking abilities