This is why middle managers have the least psychological safety (and it’s not their fault)

The article draws a parallel between the experiences of latchkey kids and the struggles of modern middle managers. Middle managers are often given responsibilities without adequate resources, resembling the unsupervised independence of a latchkey kid. They face accountability without the authority needed to effect change, leading to frustration and disengagement. Middle managers lack a safe space to express vulnerability, hindering open communication within the organization. This creates "organizational latchkey syndrome," where managers are isolated and expected to "figure it out" alone. Quick fixes like wellness programs don't address the core issue of structurally unsafe roles. Senior leaders must model desired behaviors, clarify decision rights, and protect manager capacity to foster a better environment. HR should prepare individuals for management roles and create safe spaces for managers, and provide alternative career paths. Organizations should measure psychological safety by layer, focusing on middle manager experiences. The piece concludes that failing to support middle managers leads to burnout and a breakdown in execution. Survival should not be the standard, and more needs to be done to help these managers. The central message is that organizations should stop leaving middle managers "home alone" to succeed.