Definition
The first level of management overseeing individual contributors, bearing the brunt of both executive mandates and employee complaints. The organizational equivalent of being stuck between a rock and a hard place.
Example Usage
As a front-line manager, I spend half my time explaining why senior leadership is cutting budgets and the other half explaining why my team needs more resources.
Origin
Management hierarchy terminology, military metaphor adapted for business
Fun Fact
Studies show front-line managers have the highest stress levels in organizations because they have responsibility without authority.
Source: Organizational management and HR terminology
Related Terms
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See “front-line manager” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.
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