When a New Layer of Management Is Hired Above You 24/1/24, 20:21

Managing Up

When a New Layer of

Management Is Hired Above
You
by Melody Wilding

January 22, 2024

Westend61/Getty Images

Summary. So, your manager told you that they’ll be bringing in someone else
above you. In other words, you’re getting layered. This refers to a situation where an
additional layer of management is inserted between you and your current... more

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When a New Layer of Management Is Hired Above You 24/1/24, 20:21

Sandra, a director of human resources at a fast-growing tech

startup, had been instrumental in scaling the company from 100
to 200 employees. As the highest-ranking people professional, her
rapport with the CEO was built on mutual respect. For several
months, Sandra and the CEO had been discussing plans for the
company’s expansion — implementing an employee well-being
program, revamping the onboarding process, and exploring a new
remote work policy. Sandra felt excited to continue playing an
important role in the company’s future.

However, things took a turn during their next one-on-one when

the CEO announced he’d be rolling out a new executive team
structure, including bringing in a chief people officer to support
further scaling. He explained, “Your work has been invaluable,
but we need someone who’s held an executive role before. This
isn’t a reflection of your abilities. It’s about equipping the
company with the breadth of experience required at this stage.”

Deep down, Sandra knew the CEO was right, but she still found
herself grappling with the reality of having someone else brought
in above her. What would her role look like now? Would her
responsibilities be reduced? Would she still have access to the
CEO?

Sandra was experiencing layering, which refers to a situation

where additional management is inserted between you and your
current reporting line. Essentially, it means that someone else is
hired or promoted into a position above you. They become your
new direct supervisor and you now report to them instead of your
previous boss.

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When a New Layer of Management Is Hired Above You 24/1/24, 20:21

In growing companies, being layered is inevitable and common

practice. As the complexity of the business’s operations increase,
the team structure needs to adapt. This often means that the
company can’t keep hiring at the bottom. They need to bring in
specialized expertise or experienced leadership at higher levels, as
in Sandra’s case.

While layering is typically a strategic move for the company, it

can come with a mix of emotions when it happens to you —
surprise, confusion, frustration, resentment, even anxiety. Here’s
how to deal with the reactions that arise and how to productively
move forward within your new arrangement.

Reframe the reasoning

Despite how you may feel, layering doesn’t equal a demotion. It’s
typically a result of the organization scaling and maturing, not a
critique of your work. Consider how this situation could work for
you instead of against you. You might actually receive more
dedicated mentorship and guidance. Senior executives, especially
those hired from the outside for their expertise, often have fewer
direct reports, allowing them to devote more time and resources
to each person’s development.

Your new leader may also bring a wealth of experience and a fresh
perspective that you can tap into. Imagine you’ve been overseeing
content creation for a nonprofit and now they’re bringing in a
new marketing director with a background in digital engagement
above you. You could be annoyed — or you could lean into
everything you have to learn from that person when it comes to
online fundraising, social media campaigns, and leveraging
analytics.

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