The quick fix Managers are problem solvers. We spend our days finding issues and fixing them: We solve the problem of low sales by offering discounts. We solve the problem of high costs by cutting budgets. We solve the problem of poor quality by extra inspection. Our time is filled with discrete problem after discrete […]
The World’s Most Useless Document
The org chart When you join a new business the people in H.R. will give you something like this: As good corporate citizens we all seize this as one of the most important pieces of paper we will be given. It tells us how the concern works. It is critical information, it tells us how […]
Changing the Rules
All organisations have rules We have rules about expenses and rules about systems access. There are rules about promotions and rules about mobile phones. Still more rules about budgets and rules about supplier gifts. Organisations have hundreds of rules. These rules, explicit or not, define the way our organisations work. The problem with rules If […]
The Dark Side of Data
Data-centricity Organisations are tripping over themselves to become data-centric. They are busy investing in business intelligence and analytical infrastructures. There is a thriving market for analysts and data scientists, accountants and actuaries, people who can pore over the numbers and provide insight. Data is the new gold, businesses are spending money like drunk sailors. Data […]
A Culture of Fear, Intimidation and Retaliation
The scandal In 2011, a state report to the Governor’s office in Georgia claimed that there was “organised and systemic misconduct” in 44 of Atlanta’s 56 schools. 2 years later 35 teachers, head teachers and administrative staff were brought to trial and charged with racketeering and other offences. The smoking gun The accusations revolved around […]