The new layer of management refers to the addition of a manager or management level between you and your current boss. This is often called "layering."
Explanation:
Layering in management essentially means introducing an additional level of leadership within the organizational structure. This typically involves inserting a new manager or supervisor between an employee and their existing manager.
Key Aspects of a New Layer of Management:
- Placement: The new manager is positioned hierarchically above the employee but below the employee's previous direct supervisor.
- Responsibilities: The new layer typically assumes some of the responsibilities previously held by the higher-level manager, particularly those relating to direct supervision, performance management, and task delegation.
- Impact on Employees: While it can feel like a demotion, it's not. It can change reporting structures, communication channels, and potentially the scope of individual roles.
Potential Reasons for Implementing a New Layer of Management:
- Increased workload: Existing managers may be overloaded with responsibilities, necessitating the addition of a new manager to distribute the workload.
- Organizational growth: As a company expands, the existing management structure may become inadequate to oversee a larger workforce effectively.
- Improved focus: A new layer can allow higher-level managers to focus on strategic initiatives while delegating operational tasks to the new managers.
- Specialized expertise: Sometimes, a new manager with specific expertise is brought in to improve performance in a particular area.
Example:
Imagine you report directly to a Director of Marketing. Due to company growth, a Marketing Manager is hired to supervise a team of specialists, including you. Now, you report to the Marketing Manager, who then reports to the Director of Marketing. The Marketing Manager is the new layer of management.
