Managers: The "squeezed" middle
Mon Feb 02 2026
Pressure from above, pressure from below; little appreciation from either. That's the experience of work for many middle managers!
This week on The Mindtools L&D Podcast, author Gary Cookson joins Ross G and Dr Anna to discuss his new book, The Squeezed Middle, with a focus on:
why managers are so misunderstood and undervalued the skills middle managers require to succeed how we can all help build middle managers. During the discussion, Ross G referenced the World Economic Forum's 'Future of Jobs Report 2025', Gallup's 'State of the Global Workplace 2025' report, and McKinsey's Power to the Middle which we discussed in episode 416.
Anna referenced our own reports, 'Building Better Managers' and 'The Empathy Problem'.
Gary's book, The Squeezed Middle, is available for pre-order now.
In 'What I Learned This Week', after Anna and Gary's barrage of facts, Ross G discussed Planet Nine.
Finally, Ross G and Anna both referenced our Manager Skills Workshops, which combine upfront assessment, peer feedback, project-based learning and AI Skills Practice. To find out more, visit mindtools.com.
Like the show? You'll LOVE our newsletter! Subscribe to The L&D Dispatch at lddispatch.com.
Connect with our speakers
If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn:
Ross Garner Dr Anna Barnett Gary Cookson
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Pressure from above, pressure from below; little appreciation from either. That's the experience of work for many middle managers! This week on The Mindtools L&D Podcast, author Gary Cookson joins Ross G and Dr Anna to discuss his new book, The Squeezed Middle, with a focus on: why managers are so misunderstood and undervalued the skills middle managers require to succeed how we can all help build middle managers. During the discussion, Ross G referenced the World Economic Forum's 'Future of Jobs Report 2025', Gallup's 'State of the Global Workplace 2025' report, and McKinsey's Power to the Middle which we discussed in episode 416. Anna referenced our own reports, 'Building Better Managers' and 'The Empathy Problem'. Gary's book, The Squeezed Middle, is available for pre-order now. In 'What I Learned This Week', after Anna and Gary's barrage of facts, Ross G discussed Planet Nine. Finally, Ross G and Anna both referenced our Manager Skills Workshops, which combine upfront assessment, peer feedback, project-based learning and AI Skills Practice. To find out more, visit mindtools.com. Like the show? You'll LOVE our newsletter! Subscribe to The L&D Dispatch at lddispatch.com. Connect with our speakers If you'd like to share your thoughts on this episode, connect with us on LinkedIn: Ross Garner Dr Anna Barnett Gary Cookson