It’s a disease: The larger an organization becomes, the more their growth and massive amount of resources (their strategic advantage over the smaller, nimbler company) become stuck in antiquated thinking and systems. Then, advantages become obstructions to future growth.
The argument is that “we must consolidate” and “centralize” to drive efficiencies and cost savings. The caution, however, is two-fold:
1) The customer can’t be found on a spread sheet; nor can an employee’s heart.
2) Most changes are ultimately about power – who has it and who doesn’t.
It remains a fact: The further power is removed from those working with the customer, the slower one becomes.
Accomplishing a culture of empowerment necessitates more than a structure, system, or policy change; it requires leaders with guts, the courage to become more influential by equipping others with control.
Refuse to believe that bigger means slower. You either trust people – or you don’t. (And if you don’t, why did you hire them?)
(Bammm: E)
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
