Common Mistake: Treating middle managers as a communication channel rather than a driver of adoption.

Written By Jennifer Fuelleman

Common Challenge:
Change initiatives often focus heavily on executive alignment and broad communication. Middle managers are expected to pass along information and support implementation.

However, middle managers do far more than communicate.

They:

  • Translate strategy into daily work

  • Reinforce expectations

  • Shape how employees interpret change

When managers lack clarity or confidence:

  • Adoption slows

  • Reinforcement weakens

  • Resistance increases

Managers are the connection between strategy and execution.

Equipping them effectively is essential for sustained adoption.

Middle managers are often the determining factor in whether change becomes operational reality—an area of focused support in LaMarsh’s work with organizations.

Jennifer Fuelleman
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Common Mistake: Attempting to drive adoption across the entire organization simultaneously.