Supporting the underperforming manager

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to lament the poor quality of many managers and highlight four key skills that can help to improve their performance. Design/methodology/approach – The paper emphasizes the importance of self‐awareness, delegation, communication and organizational skills. Findings – Details the key role of training in helping to impart these skills. Practical implications – The paper highlights the role of a supportive organizational culture in management development and draws attention to the cost to the economy as a whole of poorly performing managers. Originality/value – The paper examines how middle managers' potential can be developed and maximized to benefit individual organizations and the economy as a whole.