Zuckerberg Reveals Non-Hierarchical Leadership Style at Meta, Preferring 'Core Army' Over Traditional 1-on-1s
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg revealed his unique management style during a fireside chat with Stripe co-founder John Collison on Tuesday. Unlike traditional CEOs, Zuckerberg avoids managing people and delegating tasks, preferring instead to lead through a non-hierarchical structure centered around a "core army" of 25 to 30 individuals who run the company's key operations. Zuckerberg described this core group as brilliant and versatile, noting that they are empowered to make decisions and take action across the company. This approach allows him to stay involved in critical areas without being bogged down by the administrative overhead of direct reports. Meta is organized thematically into around 15 product groups, each led by its own executive. For example, leaders of app-based products like Facebook and Instagram report to Chris Cox, the chief product officer, while heads of cross-functional services such as ads, infrastructure, and integrity systems report to Javier Olivan, the chief operating officer. Future technology platforms, including virtual reality, are managed by Andrew Bosworth, the chief technology officer. Despite overseeing a vast organization, Zuckerberg emphasizes that he does not like managing people or having numerous direct reports. "I don't have 60 direct reports, I don't even like managing people," he stated. Instead, he believes in staying closely involved in major decisions, rejecting the notion of delegation. "I just don't believe in delegating. I think that that's generally a good way for founders to operate. If you're on the hook for everything and there's something important, I don't see the logic in saying 'I'm not going to be involved in that.'" Zuckerberg also avoids regular one-on-one meetings, opting for a more flexible communication approach. He maintains just two weekly recurring meetings: one for open-ended strategy discussions and another for aligning on company priorities. "When I say I don't have one-on-ones, I don't have recurring scheduled one-on-ones. I talk to all these people constantly, more than they probably want to, but I do it when I need to or when they need to discuss something with me." Industry insiders view Zuckerberg's management style as unconventional but effective. His hands-on approach ensures alignment and rapid decision-making, though it may challenge traditional hierarchies. Meta, founded by Zuckerberg, is known for its innovative culture and agile decision-making processes, aligning with the CEO's vision. Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is a leading technology company with a global user base exceeding 3 billion across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. It has recently intensified its focus on AI and virtual reality, positioning itself as a key player in the future of technology. The company's unique management approach reflects its emphasis on agility and direct involvement in critical areas, which may give it an edge in fast-moving tech sectors.
