Managers are frequently frustrated by their organization's
complexity. Yet very few have developed a strategy for simplification.
Executives need to systematically
attack the causes of complexity in their companies and we have worked
with dozens of firms to help
them develop strategies to do so. This article
details the elements of a simplicity-minded strategy: Streamline the
structure; prune products, services, and features; build disciplined
processes; and improve managerial habits. It also shows how ConAgra CEO,
Gary Rodkin, invested in a series of
initiatives to combat complexity. The tactic not only made life easier
for customers and employees but also saved millions of dollars in costs.
Explore Schaffer Consulting's online interactive questionnaire
to help you assess your own company's level of complexity.
Harvard Business Review, December 2007. Also available in Spanish.
To get a copy of Simplicity-Minded Management, complete the download form.