Engage and Retain your Managers – Ludovic Girodon

The Generalist Manager is Dead, Long Live the Specialized Manager!

Ludovic began by highlighting the necessary evolution of the managerial role. Today, too much is expected of managers: to be simultaneously a consultant, trainer, coach, visionary leader, and technical expert. This “Swiss Army knife” approach is running out of steam in the face of new generations who primarily expect coach managers.

For organizations, this understanding is essential. It is necessary to clearly define the purpose of managers in each company and accept that a single profile cannot do everything. The future belongs to managerial ultra-specialization: coach managers for 50 people, dedicated visionary leaders, specialized technical experts.

Create a Managerial Community to Combat Isolation

Given the ingratitude and loneliness of the managerial role, Ludovic suggests creating rituals among managers. These moments of exchange allow for sharing difficulties, best practices, and strengthening the solidarity of this key function.

Specifically, this can take the form of co-development workshops, where managers gather to collectively solve each other’s problems. Or anti-frustration workshops, where everyone can express their difficulties and find collective solutions. These year-round rituals restore meaning and recognition to the managerial function.

The DREAM Acronym to Engage your Managers

Ludovic shared his DREAM acronym, particularly suited for managers:

• D for Direction: clarify the role and expectations

• R for Recognition: value the often invisible managerial work

• E for Environment: create an atmosphere of trust and support

• A for Autonomy: provide impact and decision-making power

• M for Skill Development: train in new approaches, especially as a coach

Raise Team Awareness of Managerial Challenges

A crucial point raised by Ludovic: teams must be trained on their manager’s challenges. Too often, employees expect recognition without giving it. Understanding that time is a manager’s most valuable resource allows teams to adapt their behavior: be concise in exchanges, only copy on essentials, come with solutions rather than problems.

In a nutshell…

Here are the three major lessons to take away from this Masterclass with Ludovic Girodon:

• Specialize managerial roles: Move beyond the generalist manager to create ultra-specialized functions (coach, leader, expert) that better meet current expectations.

• Create a managerial community: Organize regular rituals among managers to share, help each other, and combat the isolation of this role.

• Raise team awareness: Train employees on managerial challenges to create a more balanced and empathetic relationship.

Don’t miss the next Masterclass!

• Making your Managers Leaders – Jean Pierre Lanzetti
• The ROI of Honesty – Guillaume Petitjean
• Re-engaging Teams: the G.A.M.E.R Methodology – Roland Massenet