What's Happening?
Vivienne Long, former Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of REI Co-op, has been appointed as Managing Director, Close Collins for Organizations, and an executive coach at Close Collins. This Seattle-based executive coaching firm, previously
known as Close Cohen Career Consulting, specializes in working with senior leaders and leadership teams. Long's new role will focus on helping leadership teams enhance their performance amidst significant shifts in corporate structures. Companies are increasingly removing management layers and expanding the span of control for managers. According to Gallup, the average U.S. manager now oversees 12.1 direct reports, a substantial increase from 8.2 in 2013. Furthermore, 97% of managers also dedicate a median of 40% of their time to individual contributor work. This trend is partly driven by AI, with Gartner predicting that 20% of organizations will use AI to flatten their structures by 2026, eliminating over half of current middle management positions. This creates a pressing need for new and promoted executives to deliver immediate results with less internal support.
Why It's Important?
The appointment of Vivienne Long to Close Collins highlights a critical challenge facing U.S. businesses: the increasing pressure on leaders to perform effectively with fewer resources and broader responsibilities. As companies streamline operations and adopt AI-driven efficiencies, the traditional pathways for leadership development are diminishing. This shift impacts organizational effectiveness, employee morale, and overall business outcomes. New executives are expected to demonstrate impact within weeks rather than months, placing immense pressure on their ability to quickly align teams, clarify priorities, and drive visible progress. The trend of fewer managers overseeing larger teams means that the quality of leadership directly influences the productivity and engagement of a greater number of employees. Firms like Close Collins, by bringing in experienced leaders like Long, aim to fill this gap by providing targeted coaching that helps leadership teams navigate these complex demands, ensuring that companies can still cultivate strong leadership despite leaner structures.
What's Next?
Close Collins plans to release new data on senior leader and team performance in early 2027, which will likely provide further insights into the evolving landscape of corporate leadership and the effectiveness of current strategies. The firm, with Long's expertise, will continue to work with leadership teams to implement strategies that clarify priorities, assign ownership for outcomes, and make progress transparent. This approach aims to integrate coaching directly into the real work of teams, rather than relying solely on traditional workshop formats. As companies continue to adopt AI and flatten organizational structures, the demand for external executive coaching and leadership development services is expected to grow. Businesses will likely seek more agile and results-oriented solutions to ensure their leaders can adapt to increased responsibilities and deliver immediate value in a rapidly changing corporate environment.
Beyond the Headlines
The trend of flattening organizational structures and increasing managerial responsibilities has deeper implications for corporate culture and employee development. While efficiency gains are a primary driver, there's a risk of burnout among managers who are stretched thin between individual contributions and team oversight. This shift could also impact career progression paths, as fewer middle management roles mean less opportunity for aspiring leaders to gain experience. The reliance on AI to streamline operations, while beneficial for cost reduction, necessitates a re-evaluation of human leadership's role in fostering innovation, empathy, and complex problem-solving—qualities that AI cannot fully replicate. The emphasis on immediate results for new executives could also stifle long-term strategic thinking and risk-taking, as leaders may prioritize short-term wins over sustainable growth. This evolving landscape calls for a redefinition of leadership effectiveness, focusing on resilience, adaptability, and the ability to empower teams in a high-pressure environment.
