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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Why Managers Matter summary
Nicolai J. Foss
Peter G. Klein
The Perils of the Bossless Company
19 mins
Brief summary
'Why Managers Matter' by Nicolai J. Foss and Peter G. Klein highlights the essential role of management in creating and sustaining successful organizations. It challenges the common misconception that managers are merely 'overhead' and presents strong evidence to support the idea that effective management is critical to a company's success.
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Why Managers Matter
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Key idea 1 of 5
What does it mean to have a hierarchical or bossless structure?
When you think of hierarchy, what do you picture? Feudal overlords making life miserable for peasants? Overpaid CEOs? Layers of middle management that slow down all communications in a company?
These are examples of hierarchy, to be sure. But they’re extreme examples of ineffective implementation of hierarchy.
According to Foss and Klein, hierarchy is a response to the difficulties of building a complex organization that involves many people. Hierarchy is needed to effectively manage relationships and cooperation among workers and to keep people’s varied motives and interests aligned.
Hierarchy isn’t as simple as giving certain people command and control over others. Although it is giving power over others to some people, the purpose and extent of that power must be carefully defined.
Hierarchy establishes procedures and policies. It gives people a blueprint for managing the complexities of working together and solving problems or disputes. A satisfactorily arranged hierarchy involves not just power distribution but also provides structural support for a company’s operations.
So if that’s what a standard hierarchy model looks like, then what are the key aspects of a bossless company? This organizational style is also known as a flat structure or a leaderless company. Taking away layers of management within a company is known as decentralizing, and it’s a key aspect of a flat organizational structure.
At its most basic, this structure sets every employee equal to every other employee. Decisions are made using consensus or a vote. No one has any authority over anyone but themselves, and everyone works together equally to both set and achieve the company’s goals.
At its most extreme, a flat organization might not even have any job titles or specific responsibilities attached to any one person. Everyone is equally responsible for completing tasks as they see fit in order to achieve the company’s goals, which would, theoretically, also be set by everyone in agreement with everyone else.
Proponents of the bossless structure argue the bad outweighs the good when considering hierarchy’s effects. But is that really true? In the next section, we’ll explore the benefits and drawbacks of a hierarchical business structure.
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What is Why Managers Matter about?
Why Managers Matter (2022) outlines the benefits and drawbacks of different company organizational styles. It explains when and why a company might prefer hierarchies vs. a bossless environment depending on its workflows.
Why Managers Matter Review
Why Managers Matter (2011) explores the crucial role that managers play in organizations and why they are key to success. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Filled with insightful perspectives and practical advice, it offers a comprehensive understanding of the importance of effective management.
- By analyzing real-world examples and case studies, the book demonstrates the impact managers have on organizational performance.
- It challenges common assumptions and provides fresh insights into the role of managers, keeping readers engaged and their curiosity piqued.
Who should read Why Managers Matter?
- Business executives deciding on the best structure for their companies
- Scholars and leaders comparing hierarchical structures and flat organizations
- Anyone interested in organizational structure and managerial strategy
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Why Managers Matter FAQs
What is the main message of Why Managers Matter?
Why Managers Matter emphasizes the crucial role of managers in organizations and highlights their impact on performance and success.
How long does it take to read Why Managers Matter?
The reading time for Why Managers Matter varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Why Managers Matter a good book? Is it worth reading?
Why Managers Matter offers valuable insights into the significance of managers. It is a worthwhile read for anyone interested in organizational dynamics.
Who is the author of Why Managers Matter?
Nicolai J. Foss & Peter G. Klein are the authors of Why Managers Matter.
What to read after Why Managers Matter?
If you're wondering what to read next after Why Managers Matter, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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