Chasing efficiency by flattening your organization can sound appealing, but true innovation and collaboration often thrive in a different kind of structure. Kim and Jason discuss how a thoughtful hierarchy — built on trust, clarity, and collaboration — helps teams do their best work. Drawing on lessons from Google, Apple, and Khan Academy, they share how empowered managers, clear decision-making, and open communication can transform the way organizations function. They also offer practical strategies for creating a collaboration hierarchy that supports managers, strengthens relationships, and gives great ideas the space to flourish. If you’re ready to build a culture where teams feel trusted, connected, and inspired, this conversation provides the helpful guidance you need to make it happen.

Get all of the show notes at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠<a href="https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/flat-organizations-7-37">RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>.

Episode Links:<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/lead-change-better-new-way-communicate-whats-coming-radical-candor-qjync/?trackingId=NXtTYr6JemuVTHWOuttCSA%3D%3D">⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠</a>
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<a href="https://share.descript.com/view/MN84IETw2CM">Transcript</a>
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<a href="https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/middle-managers-7-4">Middle Managers: Dinosaurs or Essential Glue? 7 | 4</a>
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<a href="https://www.radicalcandor.com/podcast/s4-e10-get-shit-done-step-4-push-decisions-into-the-facts">Get Shit Done Step 4 — Push Decisions Into the Facts 4 | 10</a>
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Chapters:

(00:00:00) Introduction
Kim and Jason introduce why “flat” organizations aren’t always as efficient as they seem.

(00:01:56) The Myth of Flat Organizations
Why fewer layers don’t automatically lead to better efficiency.

(00:04:03) Why Companies Flatten
Collaboration hierarchies versus command-and-control structures.

(00:08:02) Reality of Managerial Capacity
How having manageable spans of control can foster innovation.

(00:12:44) Collaborative Hierarchies 
Examples of how thoughtful hierarchy supports entrepreneurship.

(00:18:48) Decision-Making & Trust
Building employee trust through transparent decision-making.

(00:22:01) Avoiding Silent Failures
The hidden risks when managers are overloaded and politics take over.

(00:26:45) Democratizing Communication
How open communication and collaboration beat rigid hierarchies.

(00:29:31) Fixing Managerial Overload
Practical strategies to maintain efficiency without burning out managers.

(00:36:34) Radical Candor Tips
Actionable tips to keep communication open and teams thriving.

(00:38:02) Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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