Seeing what's happening at Microsoft, Block, Proton, and X has made me question whether many companies are still organized for the work they're doing today, or for a version of work that no longer exists.
Jack Dorsey was pretty open about Block's move toward smaller teams and greater use of AI, and the more I think about it, the more I see the logic.
When a simple project needs a PowerPoint, 5 or more people in a meeting, and multiple rounds of alignment, you have to wonder how much value that structure is actually adding.
As AI increases what individuals and teams can get done, some organizations will likely operate with fewer people, fewer layers, and more autonomy.
That doesn't make layoffs any easier. They affect real people and should be based on a serious assessment of the work that needs to be done.
But cutting headcount without simplifying processes misses the point. Keeping the same approvals, dependencies, and coordination overhead just puts more pressure on the people who remain.
The real opportunity is combining smaller teams with better tools, clear ownership, and faster decision-making.
That's what I've started to appreciate: AI isn't just changing how work gets done. It's changing how teams are built.
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