Standard work The process guys will tell you that you should standardise and reduce variation. Variation is a bad thing. The customer experience guys will tell you every interaction is different. No customer is the same. Variation is a good thing. Which camp is right? The case for allowing variation Some situations call for a […]
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 […]
Management Cardboard
Management control Rather longer ago than I care to admit, I worked for an FMCG company. I worked in R&D, and developed new frozen food products for a living. There were two things we worried about: The contents – the product that customers pay for, the fish finger or ice cream. The container – the […]
Poor Behaviour
Dysfunctional situations It is easy to blame other people’s behaviour for poor performance: He is uncooperative She is selfish He is incompetent She is a bully He is power crazed She is rude Poor behaviour causes all sorts of dysfunctional situations. Doesn’t it? The experiment In 1971 Phillipe Zimbardo set up the Stanford prison experiment. […]
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