Humans tend to organize in hierarchies. Each layer of the hierarchy introduces the risk of:

🔴 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐲: it takes time for each layer to understand and communicate to the next layer regardless of using meetings or more clever mediums like write-ups

🔴 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: misunderstanding, misinterpretation, miscommunication whether intentional or malicious

🔴 𝐑𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: filtering out information whether intentional or unintentional

Vertical Organizational Distance (VOD) is measured as the number of people between two individuals in the organization tree. How can you reduce the negative impact of a high VOD?

1️⃣ Async decision records (ADRs): pushing decisions closer to where they’re executed

2️⃣ Skip-levels: meet your key people for insight and opportunities

3️⃣ Report-down: Broadcast useful information to build momentum and shape culture

4️⃣ Stay-interviews: what makes them people stay at your company?