Thinning out middle management layers ... s not without its drawbacks—cutting too many key leadership roles can leave a company disorganized and employees frustrated and overworked.

Regardless, companies interested not only in cutting jobs but transforming obsolete hierarchies should focus on three design challenges: 1. How to recast the manager role; 2. Where to position ...

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ashley Herd, the 43-year-old founder and CEO of Manager Method in Atlanta. It has been edited for length and clarity. Before starting my own ...