The Top 50 Management Dilemmas

The loneliness of management

As managers climb up the career ladder there is sometimes an increasing feeling of isolation. Management involves having authority over other people. This naturally changes the relationship the manager has with those people. The bigger the management role, the greater the authority and the more influence that power will have on those relationships.

First, think:

• Do you need close relationships at work? If so, must they come from the people whom you manage or can this need be met by other colleagues?
• Is your sense of loneliness recent? Does it coincide with a change in your role or responsibilities at work?
• What is it that you miss? Bouncing ideas off people? Having noise around you? Feeling included and involved? ...