Episode 37 - The middle management trap: why it’s failing and how to fix it

The Huddle

What’s top of mind for us this week? Rebuilding. Between career shifts, layoffs, and leadership changes, Greg wrote about the importance of rebuilding professional connections, and Brett reconnected with an old colleague through Chicago Camps’ Tent Talk—proving that sometimes, the right conversations happen at the right time.

The Review: This Week’s Topic

The middle management trap: why it’s failing and how to fix it

Middle management used to be the stepping stone to leadership. Now? It’s a high-stress, low-reward role that no one wants. Companies are piling impossible expectations onto managers while stripping away the resources and training they need to succeed.

We break down three key questions:

• What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before stepping into management? .
• Why are future leaders avoiding management roles?
• How do we fix it?

We also published two new Teamangle articles this week:

• How shared language enhances team cohesion
• Avoid misinterpretations: developing a shared language for your team

The Ask

We’re launching our Same Team Partners newsletter—subscribe now at sameteampartners.com/subscribe. Our first issue drops on Tuesday!

The Hit List

Reading:

• Superagency: What Could Possibly Go Right with Our AI Future by Reid Hoffman

Writing:

• DOGE isn’t making government more efficient—it’s just destroying people’s lives
• Your network is broken. Fix it like a human.

Watching:

• Yellowstone
• Pivoting in Life: How to Use Your Transferable Skills with Betty Chan & Sean Murphy

Listening:

• Finally Enough Love: 50 Number Ones by Madonna

The High Five

This week’s high five goes to Kris Fulton, who has been a game-changer in helping us refine our marketing strategy. We’re makers, not marketers—but she is showing us the way. Huge high-five for the impact Kris has already made! Thank you!