Final answer:
Middle managers in modern businesses are responsible for coordinating various tasks and maintaining effective operations between upper management and operational staff. These managers are expected to take initiative, be proactive, and contribute to their teams by solving problems and participating actively without requiring extensive supervision.
Step-by-step explanation:
Middle managers, such as regional managers, project leaders, store managers, or division managers, play a crucial role in the structure of modern businesses, which divide tasks among different levels of employees. In the context of a restaurant, jobs range from the top chef to less-skilled kitchen help, and includes servers, a greeter, janitors, and a business manager responsible for financial matters like paychecks and bills. These managers are essential for coordinating the interdependent activities and maintaining the link between upper management's strategic direction and the operational staff.
Employers also highly value initiative in middle managers, particularly in today's fast-paced work environment. Managers expect these individuals to be proactive, problem-solvers who can work independently, and contribute significantly to team projects without needing constant supervision. Additionally, middle managers should be flexible, respond professionally to feedback, offer solutions to problems, and actively participate in the organization by going above and beyond their regular duties when possible.