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Working It
Can you run a company without managers?
Nov 30, 2021
In this discussion, Alexis Gonzales-Black, an expert in organizational design who implemented Holacracy at Zappos, dives into the pros and cons of a workplace without traditional managers. She shares insights from Zappos' experience with this model and the challenges that arose. The conversation also touches on unique approaches taken by companies like WL Gore that eschew job titles. Finally, they explore the potential dark side of a boss-less environment, where toxic behavior might flourish unchecked.
18:25
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Quick takeaways
- True flat hierarchies require a focus on tasks and collaboration rather than traditional job titles and static positions.
- Self-managed teams redefine managers' roles, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals to leverage their unique strengths within the organization.
Deep dives
Understanding Flat Hierarchies
Flat hierarchies, often referred to as holacracies, involve a work structure characterized by the absence of traditional job titles and managers, aiming for a more decentralized decision-making process. Alexis Gonzalez-Black emphasizes that while many organizations claim to adopt a flat structure, true flatness is rarely achieved; most still have undocumented hierarchies. The focus should shift from a hierarchy of people to a hierarchy of work and purpose, where roles are defined by the tasks at hand rather than static positions. This perspective allows for more dynamic interactions among team members, fostering adaptability based on the needs of specific projects or initiatives.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode