Listen "How to Flatten an Organization Without Breaking It with Connie Klimko (Transformation Lead, Siemens Energy)"
Episode Synopsis
Restructuring without destroying morale? It's possible! Connie Klimko, Transformation Lead at Siemens Energy, takes us inside their successful flattening of a hierarchical organization that eliminated management layers while keeping talent. She reveals their strategy for reframing career paths beyond traditional "boxes" on org charts, empowering experts, and rebuilding trust between newly combined teams. From transparent job postings to innovative team-bonding tactics like role-swapping, Connie shares practical approaches to making restructuring work. Plus, she explains why even successful restructures can take years to fully settle in and how to maintain employee resilience through constant change. A must-listen for any transformation leader facing reorganization.----Connect with:Nellie WartoftCEO of TigerhallChair of the Executive Council for Leading Change (ECLC)[email protected] ----00.00 - Introduction 01:30 - Context behind Siemens Energy's restructuring03:45 - The initial employee reaction to flattening the organizational hierarchy05:20 - What happened to managers who lost their "boxes" in the restructuring07:10 - The expert career path as an alternative to management advancement09:15 - Building trust between newly combined teams during restructuring12:30 - Role-swapping and shadowing to build empathy between merged teams14:45 - The importance of storytelling and reframing in transformation16:20 - Practical advice for those currently managing a restructuring19:40 - The ADKAR approach and why management often moves too quickly22:15 - Communication strategies: why managers need to know first24:30 - Managing morale through values consistency during constant change26:50 - Using leadership essentials to guide teams through transformation28:15 - Final thoughts on making restructuring successful----Breathe by RYGO | https://soundcloud.com/francesco-rigolonEverything You Need Is By Your Side by Vlad Gluschenko |Music promoted by https://www.free-stock-music.comCreative Commons / Attribution 3.0 Unported License (CC BY 3.0)https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/deed.en_US
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