Summary |
In Simply Effective, Ashkenas identifies the four main ways that complexity builds up in organizations: (1) mechanical rather than organic design changes, (2) unchecked growth of products and services, (3) evolving and impractical processes, and (4) confusion-creating management behaviors. He then provides a playbook for creating a tailored, integrated simplification strategy that targets your organization’s complexity logjams.
Based on nearly thirty years of consulting experience and illustrated by vivid examples from companies including ConAgra Foods, General Electric, Zurich Financial Services, and Johnson & Johnson, Simply Effective offers tips tools, and strategies for how to:
• Identify the specific areas where complexity is holding your organization back
• De-layer and consolidate organizational structures and focus on the core
• Prune product and service lines and partner with vendors and customers
• Redesign and simplify processes both within and across organizational boundaries.
• Prioritize strategy, set clear goals, and clarify communications.
• Take immediate steps to simplify your personal workload with your team or division.
|
