ACHIEVE Workplace Culture Podcast

Episode 42: Light the Fire Within: Navigating Middle Management

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This Episode

In this episode, Eric Stutzman and Chris Downey are joined by special guest and podcast producer Scott McKay—long-time listener and first-time co-host—to answer real questions gathered from middle managers across their organization. The team dives deep into the realities, challenges, and responsibilities of middle management, including how to lead with care and clarity when you’re not the one making the big decisions.

Key topics include:
🔹 Communicating decisions you don’t fully agree with—while maintaining trust
🔹 Encouraging honest feedback from newer employees
🔹 Balancing autonomy and accountability without micromanaging
🔹 The art of “managing up” and how to influence without authority
🔹 Why lighting a fire within people beats lighting a fire under them

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