Modern Management Theories Are Great, Unless You Actually Want to Run a Business

Elite firms in law, finance, and consulting aren’t flattening hierarchies. They’re doubling down on engineered dependency. Here’s why it works so well.

• Decentralize decision-making!

• Empower teams!

• Flatten hierarchies!

• Let a thousand agile stand-ups bloom!

So declares the high priesthood of modern management, usually while pitching a $2,500 course that promises to "unlock team potential" through a pastel-colored slide deck and a 12-episode podcast recorded in a converted yurt. These slogans have become s…