Radical Candor: Communication at Work Are Flat Organizations More Efficient? Kim and Jason Weigh In 7 | 37
Sep 17, 2025
The discussion centers around the pitfalls of flat organizational structures, revealing that simplifying hierarchies may stifle communication and innovation. Kim and Jason emphasize the importance of a balanced hierarchy that fosters trust and clarity. They offer insights from industry giants like Google and Apple, advocating for empowered managers and collaborative decision-making. The conversation also highlights how inclusive processes can improve employee engagement and trust, ultimately leading to more innovative ideas and a thriving organizational culture.
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Flat Org Myth Debunked
- The myth of flat organizations is that fewer layers always equals better efficiency.
- Kim Scott argues too many direct reports prevents managers doing necessary managerial work.
Cap Manager Span At Five
- Limit direct reports so managers can do real management work like one-on-ones.
- Kim Scott's rule: ideally no more than five direct reports to avoid burnout and poor management.
Gatekeeper Mindset Drives Flattening
- Treating managers as information gatekeepers drives the push to flatten organizations.
- Jason Rozoff says unclear communication and decision processes make leaders favor fewer layers.
