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Beware The Flat Organization

When someone tells you that the organization is flat, be cautious -- actually don't be cautious, run away.

People want structure. People want titles. People want hierarchy. It sets a natural order to things. 
When everyone has the same title, it actually can cause more confusion -- especially if you fill those titles with people of varying experience and tenure. 

Confusion can cause speculation. Speculation can cause disgruntlement. Disgruntlement can cause toxicity. 

That's speaking from experience and not observation. 

What they don't tell you about the flat organization is there is a clear delineation between the top and the bottom. We'll call it "The Great Wall." 

You are better off being hired directly into the top layer of a "flat" organization rather than trying to barge through that great wall. 

So before someone sells you on the perks of working for a flat organization, look past the sales pitch and ask the hard questions about performance management, metrics, promotion criteria, number of people that have made it to the promised land, etc... 


It will help you make a better decision. 
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