To think hierarchy doesn't work at work?

Why would interviews be arranged for a time when the line manager was on leave?

I don’t think you understand what the word “verbal” means.

I am very sorry about your friend.
I am sorry also you are unhappy at work.

However what your thread should be about is 'your manager being a terrible manager. The idea that a company can work as some sort of commune or co-operative is nonsence.

From what you have written, yes, you are making it sound as if you have a really poor manager. I would, however, be interested to hear this from the other side of the story.

Yes this. I had a micromanaging boss from hell about 12 years ago. It generally betrays a lack of self-esteem as well trust.

Bollocks is it flat hierarchy. It can be prone to bad management, too, because people get promoted because they're at their technical role which is mostly very different skills from managing people, and people often don't get offered structured training to develop those skills.

You need a role with clearly defined responsibilities and a manager who trusts you to get on with those responsibilities, listens when there are problems or , works with you all to make things better.

Most businesses do not require a “leader” they need doers to get on with the job

Theres a whole world of difference between and manager and a leader.

Ultimately... if they are your boss- they are responsible for you, your output and your general ability to perform.They answer to those above them.
So.. yep. They are 'above' you jn that sense... they take the rap if you dont perform

This!

i think I would take it as a win if that particular manager stopped talking to me for a week!

A verbal warning by email?

'Hierarchy' isn't the problem, it's the wrong person in the wrong job.

I was told off by my new boss for something minor and inconsequential (having done her job before, it’s the kind of thing I’d have done a general reminder to try harder on in a weekly meeting for all staff) in front of other colleagues. I’ve never been told off in my 15 years in my profession, not by anyone,
but 3 weeks back from mat leave there I was!

I disagree. I think you can be a good or bad manager whatever your style.

Your manager is a shit manager and has an authoritarian style. She micromanages and has no respect for people. That's not OK. I've worked for authoritarian managers before who were perfectly ok, they were happy for people to get on with stuff but did want final sign off on bigger topics. We just needed to get used to each other and then they backed off.

I also think it's a bit daft to say 'I'm just the same as you all'...they're not the same, they have the final say in everyone's pay review and are ultimately responsible for the teams results. A manager like that may not be able to make tough decisions when needed as they don't want to upset anyone. For instance I've worked for managers like that who won't address poor performance as they don't want to have a difficult conversation. They haven't wanted to give anyone good or bad end of year reviews incase it upset people so they've given everyone exactly the same score no matter how they've performed (and been open about their approach). They didn't give much direction.

There is a middle ground. I'm sorry your manager is awful though, agree with PP it might be best to leave if you don't think it will be addressed

Disagree that hierarchy itself is bad. I think hierarchy is necessary and healthy in most workplaces. Someone has to make decisions, handle leave requests, performance management, mentoring, accountability etc.

The issue is when people use hierarchy as a status thing or a power trip. You can have hierarchy without treating people like they’re beneath you. Having tried a flat structure it often leads to other issues - directionless teams, teams without an advocate, lack of management of problem individuals etc.

Hierarchy = good
Arseholery = bad

Yes - but that doesn’t prove there’s anything wrong with a hierarchy at work in general, just that there’s something wrong with the way she uses it.

Someone has to make the big decisions and be accountable for them. It wouldn't be reasonable for people to be held accountable if they couldn’t have any influence over what others in their organisation do.

For instance, I’m a primary teacher. If there were no Headteacher, who would take the final decision on what reading scheme or handwriting style the school should use, when every class teacher might have different preferences? Who would have an overview of how the school works as a whole, where the weaknesses lie and what the priorities should be? The HT is the boss and is the one held accountable for the school's success or failure, so it’s only reasonable for her to have the final say regarding policies etc.

Your boss is obviously very insecure and feels she needs to micro-manage. But if you and some of your fellow-workers were slackers who sent inappropriate emails, she might be perfectly justified in her actions. Assuming you aren’t and don’t, the fault lies with her, not the system.

What a petty narcissistic woman she sounds. She clearly enjoys the power trip. Some folk like to aim for management to make progress and improvements. She's just enjoying making her subordinates scared of her. She's controlling and a useless manager whose harsh behaviour will only cause workers to make more mistakes.

The thing is, though, that ultimately there actually is a hierarchy. Your manager probably has a big say in whether you get a pay rise, or get considered for promotion, or if there is a complaint about your work. She is accountable for what you do. If she's asked about it, no-one will be impressed if she says "No idea, I just leave ScarlettJune to it".

At one stage I had a senior position in a prison. I overheard my clerical assistant saying to someone ‘TrickyD would never, ever, pull rank’.
It was a lovely thing to hear.

Beginning to think this is just trolling.

Your manager is the problem and their line manager is the problem and hierarchy as a whole concept is the problem, having no separate HR team is the problem… so on and so forth

If what you said is true - that you have received a verbal warning in the workplace and have been asked to ensure you CC your manager on emails - it sounds like YOU might be the problem.

Not to mention when anyone here has tried to offer you solutions or a different viewpoint you have only responded with negativity.

Whether I was your manager or your teammate, I would find your constant negativity, criticism and cynicism very draining.

Sounds like it’s time for a new job?