Last time I talked about Big Company Disease and suggested that a key symptom is The Fog…
(It’s fun capitalizing it, and reminds me of a goofy same-name horror movie.
A pal & I have had great fun making up horror movie titles related to, ahem, other atmospheric emissions.)
Joking aside, the Fog is deeply frustrating and debilitating. Here are some symptoms:
Your purpose is unclear. You're not sure who your customers or suppliers are.
You don't know if you're ahead or behind.
You can't see your biggest problems.
So you spend a great deal of time in the "spin cycle".
Life becomes unpleasant so you naturally look for someone to blame.
You buffer the chaos with capacity -- your time.
Eventually, you burn out.
The leader’s most important job, in my view, is making the current condition visible – by gradually dispersing the Fog.
Visual management, standardized work and other core Lean tools are terrific enablers.
Lean principles & thinking are even better.
Best regards,
Pascal
In case you missed our last few blogs... please feel free to have another look…
What is a Team?
Target, Actual, Please Explain
Why Do ‘Smart’ People Struggle with Strategy?
Social Media & the Lean Business System -- Risks & Opportunities
