Management. The forgotten element.

It's no secret that companies are operating in lean times. The reaction is to do more with less, pile more responsibility onto employees, expect 7x24 commitment, reduce time to market — sound familiar? And doesn't it make your pulse race? I'd like to propose another solution which is to provide great management. It's not going to solve all your problems but it goes a long way to solid execution towards a company's goals. Good management ensures focus, direction, accountability, and ultimately success.  It also reduces the frustration and disenchantment of employees. I've never met anyone who enjoyed working in a vacuum, who didn't want to understand where they fit in an organization, and who didn't want to be acknowledged and appreciated — all things a good manager does. Management does not imply adding in unnecessary layers into an organization. What it does mean, is to create structure that provides organization and enables work to flow smoothly. 

I've seen a void of good management skills in start-up companies that I work with. That lack is exhibited in action for action's sake, a list of priorities a mile long, and in my opinion is the mark of an immature management team, no matter what age they are. If a company is in it for the long haul then it should take the management of its employees seriously.