Your team is divided by hierarchy perceptions. How can you bridge the gap and foster better communication?

In addition to the great points mentioned, I believe it's essential to foster a culture of respect and empathy. This can be achieved by: As a leader, it's crucial to demonstrate respect for everyone on the team, regardless of their position. This sets the tone for the entire team.

Hierarchy perception are mostly real and thats why it is difficult to blur them out. The fundamental question here is, Do we really need to do away with this?” Perhaps not. Hierarchy helps, if the same serves like the gearbox in an automobile. It becomes painful and serves as an obstacle if becomes just an approval matrix. We must make an attempt to live with hierarchy at the same time need to manage hierarchy as a functional requirement to support each other and not like a pecking order.

Have an open discussion with team to participate with their opinions on hierarchy. It will help everyone align. Communication will get easier. Data is the best to keep things more doable. Objective and authentic growth . Celebrate together.

Emphasize that every team member’s ideas and contributions are valuable, regardless of their role or position. Create opportunities for team members at all levels to voice their opinions without fear of judgment. This can be done by implementing regular feedback sessions, open forums, or suggestion boxes. Organize cross-functional or mixed-role meetings where team members from different levels collaborate on projects or problem-solving activities. This helps eliminate the perception of rigid roles. Encourage mentorship across levels where senior members provide guidance to juniors while also learning from their fresh perspectives. Collaboration across hierarchy can break down silos and build a more cohesive team.

In my experience, perceived hierarchy issues within a team often stem from managers playing favorites, assigning leadership opportunities to a select few while excluding others. It’s crucial to take time when assigning tasks, as this is a prime opportunity to develop skills across your team. Don’t just follow the status quo. By being intentional and inclusive, you can foster a more balanced and motivated team, leading to better overall performance and growth. Fair and thoughtful task assignment ensures everyone feels valued and has the chance to grow, which is essential for long-term success.