There are few roles that have changed as much as management. Over the course of the past 50 years, it has been completely redefined and become something barely recognisable to how it started. In the years to come, you can expect this role to continue its evolution, and the future of management is sure to be an interesting one. How exactly has it all changed, however? What’s so different about the role and expectations, and how can we expect to see it change in the future? These are all questions we’re here to answer.
How Has Management Changed?
In the past, the manager was the one who made all the decisions. It was up to them alone without consulting those lower down the hierarchy. They set the office hours, micromanaged their teams, and had total control over the workforce. They also tended to be emotionally and physically removed from their team.
The internet and advances in technology have been two big factors in the evolution of management. The ability to bring the workforce together, wherever they are located, allowing them to discuss their needs and wants within the workplace.
An increase in the desire to work remotely has led management to rethink their policies around flexibility. They may also have a completely different style team, one with home-based workers as well as those based in the office. All of this brings with it a new way of engaging with their team, finding ways to communicate effectively, both in person and virtually. Management now is all about collaboration and having more of an open-door policy.
As leaders, we don’t just ask how we can get our employees to work harder and produce better results, we also wonder what we can do for them, how we can encourage their growth, and support them with the pressures they have in their own lives.
What is Expected of Leaders?
The expectations people have for managers has grown alongside the role. In the modern age, managers are expected to give their staff a better work and life balance, recognise their achievements, along with adding quality to their existence.
You’re also there to offer coaching and mentoring within the workplace (and sometimes with issues outside of it). Development and courses are seen as the responsibility of the manager as well; there is a lot more to do now than a few decades ago. At Horton International we have some excellent management consulting services that can help you to get the most out of your role and discover potential ways to improve your offering.
What Does the Future Hold?
The future of management is intriguing. We can expect to wave goodbye to traditional forms of management; the classic hierarchy will fall into the past. Instead, individual skills will shine through and flourish, becoming even more focused on teamwork and support from those within the upper levels of the workplace.
Think of several managers, each of which specialise in a different area, working together to overcome company issues. This is the kind of evolution that brings companies together and creates higher rates of success.
To Conclude
Leadership and management aren’t always the easiest paths to follow, but the way the role has blossomed over the past century shows how our workplace cultures have matured. We have found new ways to ensure that employees are able to work and live comfortably, while also maintaining respect for those above them. There is more responsibility, but it makes the job that much more rewarding in the end.
