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 ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠RadicalCandor.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Episode Links:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

• Transcript

• Middle Managers: Dinosaurs or Essential Glue? 7 | 4

• Get Shit Done Step 4 — Push Decisions Into the Facts 4 | 10

Connect:

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• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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

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