The noted Harvard Business School professor cites several examples of businesses that became too complex and suffered as a result. The one that all of us can all relate to is P&G’s Crest toothpaste options; which one to choose? Basic, whiter, tarter control, gum disease? Ahah! P&G simplified by creating Crest Pro, which combines all the benefits into one product.
However, Prof. Kanter asserts that “simplification is not the norm, and that's a problem.” Unnecessary complexity, she believes, has contributed to the global economic meltdown, the failure of GM’s 47 brands, Bernie Madoff’s faud, and out-of-control American healthcare costs.
[In contrast to GM, Prof. Kanter points to Ford Motor Co., which “started its 'One Ford' campaign to integrate its international units and simplify its global structure. Ford was profitable despite industry woes in the first part of 2008 and did not require government assistance.”]
Prof. Kanter’s insights on business complexity translate perfectly to business communications and stakeholder outreach. The communications example we find always compelling is that of great American literature: Hemingway is more interesting, understandable and compelling for most readers than is Faulkner.
[Read Rosabeth Moss Kanter’s full HBR article on business complexity.]
No comments:
Post a Comment