Final answer:
Middle-level managers need excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively coordinate between departments and maintain collegial relationships. They must be flexible, take initiative, and be accountable to succeed in flat organizational structures and contribute value to the organization.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of management skills, middle-level managers need an especially high level of communication and interpersonal skills as they typically act as the bridge between departments, coordinating people and projects with sometimes mismatched priorities. It's crucial for these managers to maintain a collegial working relationship with both their superiors and team members to create a harmonious and positive environment. Moreover, they should be flexible in the face of changing priorities and assignments, and show initiative by taking on extra responsibilities, suggesting feasible solutions to problems, and minimizing the need for supervision.
To succeed, middle-level managers should also be open to feedback and willing to own up to their mistakes, demonstrating accountability. In today's business environments, where flat structures are more common, these managers must be comfortable working within a team as well as contributing individually to the organization's goals. Cultivating these strong management skills not only benefits individual career progression but also adds value to the department and the organization as a whole.