Fingerprints on Everything

Andy Jassy Shows How Executives Misunderstand Managers

In a recent article, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy discussed the company's initiative to streamline operations by reducing the number of middle management positions. Jassy observed that an overabundance of managers often leads to inefficiencies, as each manager seeks to imprint their influence on processes, potentially slowing down decision-making and innovation. This move aligns with the preferences of Generation Z employees, who favor less hierarchical structures and more autonomy in their roles.

I have 2 major issues with his position (Full Disclosure: Jassy has done nothing in his short stint to make me think he is a capable leader). First, the reason managers put fingerprints on everything is because leadership has no understanding of their role and value. Because of this, leadership has rewarded and codified this habit. Second, while this may eliminate that situation, it is creating a long-term problem in that it will shorten the bench of qualified people to move up in the ranks. The C-suite people of tomorrow are probably managers today.