When Managers Struggle, Opportunity Emerges

How NAU’s Management Degrees Help Individuals and Organizations Respond to a Growing Crisis in Engagement

A recent Wall Street Journal article, citing Gallup data, revealed a steep drop in manager engagement. Just 27% of managers reported feeling engaged at work in 2024, one of the lowest levels ever recorded. The causes are clear: mounting pressures, unclear expectations, and most importantly, a lack of preparation. For professionals and employers, this is more than a workplace challenge. It’s a chance to step up and lead differently.

“We’ve created a system that rewards individual achievement and longevity with promotions to leadership roles, but without first preparing people to lead. At NAU, our programs are designed to give new and current managers the actual skills they need to succeed.” – Steven Balke, Sr. Dean, Business, Technology, and Health Management Programs

The Root of the Problem: Not Enough Training, Not the Right Promotions

Only 44% of managers have ever received formal leadership training. Most are left to figure it out on their own or are given basic administrative instructions instead of actual leadership development. Compounding the issue, many promotions go to high-performing individual contributors or long-tenured staff without evaluating whether those individuals are ready to manage others. This leaves managers overwhelmed, disengaged, and ill-equipped to support the teams that depend on them.

“It’s not that these managers aren’t capable. It’s that they haven’t been equipped. Formal education in leadership can fill that gap, and in many cases, it’s the missing piece in building an engaged, high-performing workforce.” – Steven Balke

A Curriculum That Supports Real Leadership

National American University offers online Management programs intentionally designed to develop capable, confident leaders. Each degree emphasizes practical skills in supervision, operations, communication, and strategic thinking. Courses are fully online and flexible, making them ideal for working professionals.

Associate of Applied Science in Management

This program introduces fundamental skills in supervision, human resources, and communication. It is ideal for those preparing for their first leadership role or entering the workforce with plans to move into management.

Bachelor of Science in Management

For those ready to advance, this degree offers training in operational decision-making, managing people across global contexts, conflict resolution, and ethical leadership. It is especially relevant for professionals looking to strengthen their ability to lead teams, departments, or business units.

Accelerated Master of Management

Designed for students with prior college credit, this program can be completed in as little as one year. It prepares professionals for senior-level leadership roles with focused courses in organizational change, performance management, and strategic leadership. The accelerated structure provides a fast, efficient pathway to advancement.

Master of Management

This program offers the same advanced leadership curriculum as the accelerated version but allows for more flexible pacing. It is a strong fit for working professionals managing complex responsibilities who want to deepen their expertise and expand their impact.

“Whether you start with an associate degree or enter a graduate-level program, our goal is the same. We prepare students to lead teams effectively, make sound decisions, and build environments where people thrive.” – Steven Balke

Employers: Don’t Wait to Develop Your Leaders

Many companies facing high turnover or inconsistent performance don’t have a hiring issue. They have a leadership development issue. Without investing in proper training, even the most promising employees can struggle in management roles. NAU partners with organizations to help upskill internal talent through affordable, scalable online programs. Tuition benefit agreements and corporate education partnerships are available.

A Better Way Forward

Manager engagement is dropping, and the evidence points to a clear cause: most managers are promoted without being properly trained. But there is a solution. NAU’s Management degrees offer a way forward for both individuals and organizations. With a focus on real-world leadership and flexible online delivery, these programs are built for those ready to lead with purpose.

Start building stronger leadership today at NAU.