Agentic swarms are an org-chart delusion (www.joanwestenberg.com)

The recent discourse around the "agentic swarm" concept in productivity reveals a potential pitfall in how AI and automation are being integrated into existing corporate structures. The idea proposes replacing human roles with AI agents while maintaining traditional management hierarchies, effectively reinventing middle management rather than disrupting it. This approach reinforces outdated organizational norms, focusing on specialized roles that limit the potential of AI technologies to truly transform work dynamics. By treating positions like "marketing agent" and “development agent” as pre-defined roles, this model adheres to a comforting yet misguided belief in specialization as a necessity. In contrast, the article posits that the real power of AI lies in its ability to eliminate these rigid boundaries, enabling cohesive workflows where individuals can fluidly execute tasks across various domains without being tethered to specific job titles. This shift not only restructures the concept of productivity but also empowers individuals to use AI as a general-purpose cognitive tool that facilitates multitasking and creative output. The outcome promises a transformative future of work, where the value of production shifts from teams to individuals, thereby challenging the traditional hierarchies that many leaders cling to. As historical precedents in other sectors have shown, technology often favors those who can adapt and consolidate roles, hinting that a truly integrated approach to AI could redefine the nature of work itself.