The Ideal Number Of Direct Reports

The manager I am currently reporting to
has 15 direct reports.

She can’t manage.

There is always a line up
outside her door
(wasting everyone’s time).
She spends her day firefighting
and has no time to plan or train.
Her department is treading water.

TimeBack blog states that traditionally
7 to 10 direct reports are optimal.

Flat organizations are a wonderful notion
but aren’t that practical.
Don’t overburden your managers.
If you manage too many employees currently,
consider building in a layer,
having your junior employees
be managed or mentored by more senior employees.