If you are a manager, you probably have a lot of responsibilities and expectations from your team, your peers, and your superiors. You want to do a good job and make everyone happy. But sometimes, in trying to “protect” your team from the challenges and pressures of the organization, you may become what is called an “umbrella manager”.
What is an umbrella manager?
An umbrella manager is someone who shields their team from all the problems and difficulties that come from above or outside. They intercept any issues, conflicts, or feedback that may affect their team’s morale or performance. They want to create a safe and comfortable environment for their team to work in.
Why does umbrella management happen?
There are a few reasons why umbrella management may happen. One reason is that some managers feel that they need to protect their team from the harsh realities of the business world. They may believe that their team is not equipped to handle stress or pressure, or that they will be more productive if they are not aware of the challenges that the organization is facing. (Harvard Business Review)
Another reason why umbrella management may happen is that some managers feel that they need to be in control of everything. They may have difficulty delegating tasks or trusting their team members to make decisions. As a result, they may end up taking on too much work themselves, which can lead to burnout and stress.
How does umbrella management impact your business?
Umbrella management can have a number of negative impacts on your business. One impact is that it can create a culture of dependency. When team members are used to being protected from the challenges of the job, they may be less likely to step up and take responsibility. This can lead to a team that is less innovative and less productive.
Another impact of umbrella management is that it can prevent team members from developing their skills. When team members are not exposed to challenges, they do not have the opportunity to learn and grow. This can limit their career opportunities and make it difficult for them to take on more responsibility in the future.
Finally, umbrella management can lead to burnout for the manager. When managers are constantly taking on additional work and filtering requests from upper management, they can quickly become overwhelmed. This can lead to decreased job satisfaction and increased turnover.
Why should you stop umbrella management and support your team to grow instead?
There are a number of reasons why you should stop umbrella management and support your team to grow instead.
- It is better for your team’s development. When team members are exposed to challenges, they have the opportunity to learn and grow. This can help them to become more skilled and experienced, which can benefit both them and the organization.
- It is better for your own sanity. When you are constantly taking on additional work and filtering requests from upper management, it can be easy to become overwhelmed. This can lead to burnout and decreased job satisfaction.
- It can lead to a more productive and innovative team. When team members are empowered to make decisions and take ownership of their work, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated. This can lead to a team that is more productive and innovative.
How to support your team to grow
There are a number of things you can do to support your team to grow instead of umbrella managing. Here are a few tips:
Provide training and resources
Make sure your team members have the training and resources they need to be successful. This may include providing them with access to online courses, workshops, or other training programs. You may also want to provide them with access to tools and resources that can help them to do their jobs more effectively.
Give them the opportunity to practice
The best way for team members to learn is by doing. Give them assignments that require them to think critically and solve problems. You may also want to encourage them to ask questions and seek help from their colleagues when needed.
Create a culture of trust and support
Let team members know that it is okay to make mistakes and that you are there to help them when they need it. It is also important to create an environment where team members feel comfortable expressing their ideas and opinions.
Conclusion
Being an umbrella manager may seem like a good way to protect your team, but it’s actually hurting them and your business. By delegating, coaching, and empowering your team, you can help them grow as professionals and as people. You can also improve your own productivity, performance, and happiness.
In your journey towards creating a better, more empowered team, consider the valuable assistance of HRMLabs (HRMLabs.com). With cutting-edge HR solutions, you can streamline your HR processes, foster a culture of growth, and empower your team to thrive. Whether it’s talent management, performance tracking, or employee engagement, HRMLabs offers the tools and support you need to build a stronger, more dynamic workforce.
