Reading "On Middle Management" in Harvard Business Review, I was struck by the warning against two extremes - impatience with this organizational level and lamenting its hardships.

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The truth, as usual, is more complex.

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Middle-level leaders are outstanding individuals characterized by ambition and more long-term thinking. Paradoxically, despite their challenges, they most need higher requirements - to follow through and fully shape their mastery in current roles.

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With concern, I observe how the business world gets lost in misunderstood concepts. Lack of solid feedback for Generation Z, fear of directiveness, or misuse of mental health concept to avoid difficult situations. Distortion of these concepts leads to decision paralysis and avoidance, from there it's a straight path to mediocrity and losing that initial spark that introduced you to the world of leadership.

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In such an average world, it's inappropriate to identify with a company or leader - basically with anything. Freedom begins to mean safe isolation and lack of trust. Because then no one will hurt us.

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Cynicism and isolation are the main enemies I want to defend our companies against together with our middle management.

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Our weapon will be a clear strategy and vibrant company mission. In our case, it's "guidance in the digital jungle." When a manager starts asking "does this bring us closer to the mission?" instead of reacting to another trend or fire - then they find support and can become a true leader.

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Our leaders are ready for this developmental leap. During my month-long trip, at the peak of the season, not a single issue reached me - neither small nor large. This is proof of their maturity and readiness to enter the next level of the game.

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2025 in Tigers and Automation House is the time to strengthen leaders through better decision criteria: more based on our mission, strategy, and unique way of delivering value to clients. The future of the organization depends on building its "middle."

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And too low requirements? It's the fastest way to suppress the inner A-player in a leader. Mastery is born from responsibility, not overprotection.