
AUA: Why Is My Small Org So Hard To Run?
From At Work with The Ready by Rodney Evans and Sam Spurlin
March 16, 2026 · 6 min · Season 9 · Episode 11
About this episode
The episode discusses the complexities of managing small organizations and the need for minimum viable structure.
Small doesn't mean simple. In fact, smaller organizations are often more complex in the ways that are hardest to manage — personalities loom larger, every conversation carries more weight, and the line between "business problem" and interpersonal drama gets uncomfortably thin. In this mini AUA, Rodney and Sam break down why smaller orgs typically need to install minimum viable structure to tame the chaos — while larger orgs are usually trying to remove it. Same toolkit, opposite motion. They also explore the quiet inflection point that hits somewhere under 50 people, when "everyone knows everything" suddenly stops being true and no one quite knows what to do about it. -------------------------------- Ready to change your organization? Let's talk! Get our newsletter: Sign up here. Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram -------------------------------- Mentioned references: "strategy": AWWTR Ep. 2 "principles-based budgeting" Dunbar's number -------------------------------- Sound engineering and design by Taylor Marvin of Coupe…
People in this episode
Hosts: Rodney Evans, Sam Spurlin
Topics covered
- small organizations
- management complexity
- organizational structure
- interpersonal dynamics
- team communication
Keywords
- small organizations
- management
- organizational structure
- interpersonal drama
- team dynamics
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: AWWTR Ep. 2, principles-based budgeting
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