Are Management Out Of Touch?
If you think management are out of touch with the shop floor possibly think again. I would suggest that communication is the issue and that the shop floor is out of touch with the current state of the business.
“management aren’t in touch and don’t know how it is for us”
If you have a business that promotes talent from within or a good graduate program, management will know what it is like on the shop floor because in the wider sense it doesn’t change that much and they have seen or done that job. However the business environment, internal politics, business performances etc does change and it shapes the environment that the managers operate in. So if you find yourself saying “management aren’t in touch and don’t know how it is for us” take a moment to acquaint yourself with the bigger picture, ask some good questions and then see if you still think management is out of touch. If they are, then work out the best way to bring them up to speed.
“the business environment, internal politics, business performances…shapes the environment that the managers operate in”
They may not thank you but they will appreciate it and who knows you might get considered for promotion a little earlier than expected.
The Management Tour Guide is an experienced manager with an MBA who has helped to build an international consumer goods brand. MTG has been hired over the phone, asked to leave in person, been head hunted and passed over on many occasions. MTG has worked on start ups, wind downs and lost causes as well as successful businesses. It all counts when it comes to gaining experience.
What do you think?