Tasked with applying a broad strategic vision to the realities in front of them, middle managers are key agents of organizational change — and DEI efforts are no exception. In fact, employees’ experiences with their managers have a big impact on whether they view their organization as inclusive or not. And yet, middle managers are rarely included in the development of DEI strategy.
Why Middle Managers Struggle to Implement DEI Strategies
Leaders need to help them navigate two key tensions.
October 13, 2022
Carmen Deñó
Summary.
To successfully achieve DEI change, organizational leaders must understand the implementation challenges faced by middle managers and incorporate their specific needs into policy development. The authors identify two key tensions faced by middle managers — the autonomy vs. control tension, and the short-term vs. long-term tension — and offer strategies for leaders to help middle managers navigate them.