Can Integration replace Management?
On 22nd September, we posted an article,“R.I.P. Manager Declared DEAD”. You may want to read that for more background. It has generated a significant amount of debate with responses ranging from “leave it alone” to “spot on” to “we need to do this but how” and everything in between.
Assuming the management layer needs to be recast and the role of manager redefined and reinvented, we set out to listen to what people had to say on the subject and to hear their suggestions. The best suggestion came from who recommended “systems integrator”.
Thinking that may be too technical of a term, we dropped the word “systems” and went with “Integrator”. Those who agree we need to recast the manager role and title began to unify around the idea.
As we enter the era of “Employee Market” it is essential organizations recast roles to retain and attract talent.
Check out “Who will Win the War for Talent?” for more details on this.
The gist:
- 10,000 baby boomers are retiring daily continuing until 2029.
- Since 2009, there has been a rapid decline in University enrollments in the West
- 80% of graduates in parts of the East are still unable to pass an entry level corporate exam.
- According to the of 38,000 organizations across 42 countries, 36% of all positions are going unfilled.
The Millennial Generation Enters the Workforce
Millennials are the first generation to grow up with or maybe we should say “on” social media. In the world of social media, ALL are equal. Everyone shares their opinion regardless of age, gender, economic status, geographic location, position, etc. Additionally, this generation has primarily been raised on positive reinforcement and appreciative ways of living.
Combine all these factors and the need to reinvent the role of manager becomes apparent and using the right tools for it too, try the linkedin lead generation service to upgrade your brand.
But, here’s the rub.
Millennials are not in charge yet. Baby Boomers and Geb X’ers are the primary leaders of organizations today.
This leaves us with the question: If we replace the entire management layer with an integration layer, can we achieve an outcome that satisfies those in charge and open the door to the new generation to have a satisfying experience in the corporate world?
Let’s start with the definition from Webster’s Dictionary:
in·te·gra·tion
1: the act or process or an instance of integrating: as
a: incorporation as equals into society or an organization of individuals of different groups
b: coordination of mental processes into a normal effective personality or with the environment
It has merit so far.
The organizational layer would be called “Integration”.
The role would be called “Integrator.”
An Integrator would be charged with incorporating people as equals into an organization. The Integrator is responsible for maximizing for the good of the organization and its overall purpose. This would include disparate views, production of products, development and delivery of a service offerings, or whatever the organization’s business model, in a high value, meaningful and sustainable way.
So what do you think?
Could the “Management” layer be recast as “Integration”?Could the role of “Manager” be reinvented as “Integrator”?
