Managerialism

The modern workplace is dominated by a managerialist approach prioritising efficiency, control, and standardisation over genuine leadership. While you may think it has value, the trend creates significant barriers to success in our increasingly chaotic world. You only have to look at global politics, national institutions, and the business world to see the impact of a paucity of leadership at every level.

Indeed, in the past year I have seen global and regional businesses recognise the need to shift their focus from mere managerialism to robust leadership development. They have realised, “What got us here won’t get us there.” But what’s the real problem with managerialism?

We need to understand that even the best managers are only there to maintain the status quo, to make the machine run at a regular beat, and to get employees to comply with expected norms. This can inhibit creativity and adaptability - the two components of successful innovation (a value most companies aspire to, but few achieve).  Managers who prioritise control may create stagnation, stifling the ability to evolve in response to changing market dynamics.

A managerialist approach typically reduces active (two-way) employee engagement.  When you focus solely on performance metrics and operational efficiency, you tend to neglect the human aspect of collaborative work.  Building relationships and fostering a sense of belonging among team members. This disengagement can lead to high turnover rates and diminished morale.

Finally, managerialism drives a short-term mindset, where immediate results take precedence over long-term vision. This compromises sustainability and resilience.

Managers are copies- they have to be if their role is to create stability. However, leaders are unique, developing their own ways of inspiring success in others. In 2024, Microsoft reinforced its commitment to cultivating a growth mindset within its leadership ranks. Traditionally, the company’s culture was transactional. Now, it is more transformative, encouraging staff to share what they learn from failures and to view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Boston Consulting Group has invested in leadership training that integrates behavioural science and emotional intelligence, focusing on developing leaders as change agents. www.freeletic.com is a fitness app company that has replaced conventional onboarding for new leaders with a blended learning programme that teaches personal exchange and inspirational leadership techniques.

It’s time to shift from managerialism to authentic, emotionally intelligent leadership. Effective leadership goes way beyond managing tasks and processes. It's about inspiring people and cultivating a culture where everyone can thrive. Outside organisations, the world seems to be spiralling away from us. Inside we encounter employee generations with the potential to do better than ever before. But not by obeying managers who look backwards.