Admit it, you've promoted someone to middle management because they are good at a task, work hard, show up on time, and are a loyal long-term employee. It seems like the natural progression to promote an employee from within, but have you evaluated and cultivated their management, leadership, and communication skills before dropping them into the role? The middle manager may arguably play the most critical role in communicating and executing your safety operations, community relations, and company mission and message to employees in the field, customers, and the public.