The Engineering Manager's role is under attack (again)

Engineering managers are under attack as companies flatten org structures, but history shows this always backfires. Google tried eliminating managers in 2002 and reversed course within months. Organizational consultant Suzan explains how flattening creates 'relational debt' — eroding trust, increasing conflict, and quietly undermining team performance. EMs can fight back by documenting small team problems and framing them as business risks their leaders actually care about.