A Case Study of a Dysfunctional Culture Nick Wallis writes a story that should be a work of science fiction. Like Jurassic Park, he takes a ridiculous premise but then plays the idea through in a totally believable way. Nobody could recreate the dinosaurs, but good fiction takes a bizarre proposition and makes the outcome […]
Thou Shalt Not Delay, Distort or Withhold Information
Systems need information They use that information to control the way they act. In a system of cells (like your body) that information flows along nerves and via hormones. In a system of animals (like a colony of ants) that information flows via pheromones and signals. In a system of people (like your business) it […]
Did Process Improvement Destroy Starbucks?
The Memo I came across a memo from Howard Schultz, the chief executive of Starbucks the other day. Here are the bits that caught my eye — to read the whole thing click here. From: Howard Schultz Sent: Wednesday, February 14, 2007 Subject: The Commoditization of the Starbucks Experience Over the past ten years, in […]
Red is Good Green is Bad
The RAG status We love RAG statuses, Red, Amber, Green: My project is on track :) We are meeting all our SLA’s :) We have some minor resourcing issues :/ Our cost performance is upper quartile :) We manage our businesses with green happy faces. It gives executives a sense of control. And if performance […]
Getting it Right When it all Goes Wrong
Sometimes it all goes wrong, there is a calamity, a disaster or a screw up. Shit happens. There is only one sensible response when it all goes a bit Pete Tong; understand why and then do something to stop it happening again — it works even better when done quickly. This is not a revelation. My father […]
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