Big Challenges For Executives When Middle Management Is Eliminated

Many large organizations are removing layers of middle management in an effort to operate leaner, faster and with fewer bureaucratic barriers. However, while flatter organizational structures can increase efficiency, they also introduce new pressure points—especially when fewer leaders oversee larger teams. Communication gaps, decision-making bottlenecks, increasing risk of burnout and loss of mentorship are just a few challenges companies may face without that critical layer of support.

To ensure long-term success, any organization that opts to eliminate the role of middle managers must rethink how they will navigate leadership development, authority distribution and cultural connection. Below, our founder Kathy Shanley and members of Forbes Coaches Council share key challenges businesses should prepare for when the ratio of employees to senior leaders shifts.

Holding Onto Time For Strategizing

One challenge flat structures create is that leaders may lose the time needed to strategize. With fewer middle managers, they may slip into “do-er” mode instead of creating a vision, exploring ideas or mapping the path from Point A to Point B. To counter this, leaders should create time to ask: “What else have we tried? What might get in our way? What would we need to prepare for if that happens?” - Kathleen Shanley, Statice