The dilemma of the manager caught between two fires
In many small and medium-sized businesses, managers are often caught between two fires: on the one hand, the often vague expectations of senior management, and on the other, the pressing needs of employees. This is known as the sandwich effect, a situation experienced by many managers, who find themselves juggling conflicting expectations.
On the one hand, leaders want managers who are autonomous and capable of making decisions. On the other hand, managers often feel lost, without clear guidelines, and unsure of how to meet both the demands of senior management and the expectations of their team. This dynamic can create mutual frustration: leaders feel that their managers lack initiative, while managers feel abandoned and unsupported.
As a management coach, I often see that even the most experienced managers find themselves feeling lost, which affects their well-being and performance. But how can they break out of this vicious circle?
Mutual disappointment: when communication becomes difficult
Let’s take the example of Louis, an entrepreneur in the insurance sector. After 20 years of experience and with a team of 50 employees, he decides to entrust the management of the department to Vincent, his loyal right-hand man. Vincent is excellent with customers, but when he takes on the role of director, Louis expects him to figure out what to do. Vincent, for his part, finds himself juggling employee expectations and constantly wondering what is really expected of him.
Without clear guidelines, he regularly returns to Louis to validate his decisions, which creates tension. Louis is frustrated because he thought Vincent would adapt quickly, while Vincent feels disappointed by his manager’s lack of support.
This misunderstanding leads to increasingly difficult communication, and neither party finds satisfaction.
Underlying causes: stress, uncertainty, and unrealistic expectations
When expectations are vague and undefined, this creates uncertainty for managers. On the one hand, employees expect support, recognition, and opportunities for development. On the other hand, executives, who are often overworked, do not always know how to effectively support their managers.
All of this creates increasing stress, which can make managers rigid and less flexible. This stress not only affects their ability to manage their team, but also has an impact on employees, who sense this tension and may become demotivated.
So how can we turn the situation around?
Three keys to overcoming stress
- Clarify expectations from the outset
Managers need to know exactly what is expected of them. What does it mean for you to perform well in this role? Discuss to set priorities and define objectives. Be clear, together.
Support with tools and training
A manager who is unclear about their role will quickly become overwhelmed. Provide them with the resources they need to succeed. Weekly meetings, especially at the beginning. An experienced mentor or external coach to help them quickly implement strategies that fit their management style.
- Listen, support, act
Managers’ stress directly impacts the entire team. Take the time to listen and understand their challenges before they become apparent. A manager under pressure often adopts unconscious behaviors that affect the team. It is better to intervene early on, rather than wait for problems to become obvious.
Conclusion: Come and discover solutions at my conference.
The sandwich effect is a reality in many organizations, but it does not have to be inevitable. By adopting simple, concrete strategies, you can ease the pressure on your managers and restore a healthy dynamic within your team.
During my presentation at the SME Strategy Conference, I will share other solutions for managing this pressure and restoring balance and performance in your organization. Don’t let the pressure build up. Come and discover practical tips to help your managers take their rightful place and rediscover the joy of managing.
By Emilie Charbonneau, coach formatrice
Founder of Impact M¹⁰
