Tech Executive Warns of Urgent Crisis for Middle Managers

UPDATE: Former tech executive Judd Antin has raised urgent concerns over the alarming trend of middle managers losing their jobs in the technology sector. Antin, who spent a decade at Facebook and Airbnb, warns this phenomenon, dubbed the “Great Flattening,” threatens the essential role these managers play in organizations.

In a candid reflection, Antin disclosed that he previously faced the tough decision to lay off more than 25% of his team, a move that underscores the precarious position of middle management today. As layoffs surge across the tech landscape, he stresses that the effectiveness of middle managers is often underappreciated and misunderstood.

Antin’s journey began in 2013, when he transitioned from individual contributor roles at Yahoo and Facebook to managing teams. By 2023, he held a senior position at Airbnb, heading the Design Studio and overseeing a significant UX team. His experiences have shaped his belief that the current wave of layoffs is not a reflection of their value but rather a failure of organizations to utilize them effectively.

“I’ve watched with dismay as tech industry executives have turned against middle managers,” Antin stated. He believes that these roles are vital and that many organizations lack the structure to leverage their full potential. “Culling middle managers is a symptom of organizations not knowing how to use them,” he added, emphasizing the need for proactive leadership from both middle managers and senior executives.

Antin’s insights reveal a critical gap in understanding the value these managers bring. When he first stepped into management at Facebook, he faced challenges due to a lack of clear expectations and direction from senior leaders. “Being proactive was the only way to demonstrate my impact,” he noted, explaining how he took initiative to improve team dynamics and communication.

In a recent role leading research at Airbnb, Antin successfully executed a major reorganization that strengthened the design studio’s structure. He empowered his middle managers with autonomy to set goals and collaborate across teams, a strategy that markedly improved efficiency and morale. “My middle managers told me they loved this setup because it gave them direct ways to demonstrate their impact,” he shared.

Despite these positive outcomes, Antin expressed deep concern over the current corporate climate, where middle managers are often scapegoated as unnecessary bureaucrats. He urged these leaders to adopt a bold, proactive approach to showcase their contributions. “In today’s difficult corporate environment, middle managers must be problem solvers, not just reporters of updates,” he insisted.

Antin’s worries resonate with many in the industry, as executives increasingly target middle management to streamline operations. He argues that this trend ignores the critical feedback and insights middle managers provide, which are essential for informed decision-making at higher levels.

With significant layoffs looming, Antin calls for a reevaluation of how organizations view and utilize middle management. He emphasizes that fostering a culture of upward feedback and collaboration can drive success across tech companies.

As companies navigate these turbulent times, the future of middle management hangs in the balance. Will tech leaders recognize their value and reinstate their roles, or will they continue to be viewed as expendable? The discussion on middle management is more crucial than ever as the tech industry faces unprecedented changes.

Next steps: Industry observers and stakeholders are urged to engage in this critical conversation to redefine the role of middle managers in the evolving workplace.

For those with experiences in middle management within the tech sector, sharing stories may help amplify the importance of these roles during this turbulent period.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.