We are accustomed to hearing the phrase "leadership failure" when the business press righteously passes judgment on a troubled turnaround or sneers at the embarrassing details of an ethical stumble.[1] But what is the appropriate assessment when a company's upper and mid-level managers fail to achieve the respect of the managers they lead? Shouldn't that also be considered a failure of the company's leadership? To the extent that middle managers are responsible for communicating and managing to achieve a company's vision and goals they are a crucial part of the leadership team. But it's top management's responsibility to closely monitor whether all levels of management are receiving and delivering adequate strategic direction and are giving their direct reports the training and support to implement it.
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