This subtle trap that employers use to attract you as a candidate can be very misleading. It's a tactic to make the job offering more attractive. Who wouldn't want to work in an organization where everyone has equal say and there are no barriers to communication?
In reality, it turns out you have been tricked. It happened to me one time and I have learned some lessons since then.
During your interview, you may hear phrases like "we're a flat organization" or "our team is very collaborative." At first glance, this sounds like music to your ears. Who wouldn't want to work in an environment where everyone has equal input and there are no hierarchical barriers?
But before you start envisioning yourself as part of a harmonious, decision-making collective, try to ponder a bit about how things look like in reality.
While the idea of flat hierarchy might seem appealing on paper, it can have some significant drawbacks. For instance:
So, why would interviewers bring up flat hierarchy in the first place? It's often a tactic designed to gauge your ability to navigate ambiguity and uncertainty. They want to see how you'll handle situations where there is no clear authority figure or decision-making process.
In other words, they're testing your problem-solving skills under pressure! I've noticed that usually small companies or startups are more likely to have uncertainty. It's crucial to be prepared for the unknown and properly show that in an interview.
While the idea of flat hierarchy might seem appealing at first glance, it's essential to approach this concept with a healthy dose of skepticism. Remember that every organization has its unique culture and dynamics, so don't assume that just because they say they're "flat," everything will be smooth sailing.
In conclusion, when you hear about flat hierarchy during an interview, take the opportunity to ask follow-up questions like:
By doing so, you'll be better equipped to navigate any potential pitfalls and make a more informed decision about whether the job is right for you.
My answer is simple: YES, there are companies with healthy environments out there! There are places for sure where everyone is treated equally and nobody bosses no one around! It's just that you need to hop around a bit to land into one. Not every team/environment is open-minded on a certain level.
I would like you to imagine flat-hierarchy as a place where all people involved are leaders and executors a the same time. They share knowledge, feedback and work as one. They complement each other and take responsibility for their actions. Signs of a healthy flat hierarchy include:
Flat hierarchies do exist and work very well. It's more prevalent in small organizations where it's easier to manage workers. In corporations, there might be flat hierarchies on a small scale within an area, but ultimately you need a hierarchy to manage things.
Be though mindful if your interviewer brings this to the table and perhaps praises with it. It can indicate that something is wrong. It happened to me once and I learned a hard lesson. Ask the follow up questions which you found in this guide and pay attention to the answer. Think 10 times before accepting such an offer. Calculate the risks and make a good choice for your career 😉.