> Now having two direct reports is absurd asking questions like how that was ever allowed and tolerated for as long as it was.
If all they are doing is managing those resources, I'd completely agree. I've seen a few examples of org structures where those folks aren't actually middle managers, but generally ICs with some additional responsibility. So they are still working hands on within a product, but also have some direct reports to help within their area of influence. If you're at a director level and you've only got two reports, honestly that doesn't seem that unreasonable either depending on their area of control and the size of the teams below their managers. I'd certainly rather see an org structure where managers are working with 2-7 direct reports (again assuming they are working managers and not just administrative overhead) rather than an org where someone has 20+ direct reports. There's no way a manager is effectively managing the expectations and goals and blockers of 20+ people with regular touch points while also being involved in the strategic direction of the company. Never mind where I see orgs with managers with over 50 direct reports.
If all they are doing is managing those resources, I'd completely agree. I've seen a few examples of org structures where those folks aren't actually middle managers, but generally ICs with some additional responsibility. So they are still working hands on within a product, but also have some direct reports to help within their area of influence. If you're at a director level and you've only got two reports, honestly that doesn't seem that unreasonable either depending on their area of control and the size of the teams below their managers. I'd certainly rather see an org structure where managers are working with 2-7 direct reports (again assuming they are working managers and not just administrative overhead) rather than an org where someone has 20+ direct reports. There's no way a manager is effectively managing the expectations and goals and blockers of 20+ people with regular touch points while also being involved in the strategic direction of the company. Never mind where I see orgs with managers with over 50 direct reports.