Root causes. This is a term we have heard being used in political platitude statements to explain why something cannot be done. Without knowledge and understanding of “Root Causes” it is not possible to make progress, mitigating or transforming an organizational structure in desperate need of reform.
Process. Everything is a process. In terms of organizations and how they conduct their business in whatever manner is a process. The efficiency of these processes dictating how organizations operate in the digital age are determined by their usage of technology, systems, and data.
Large organizations have complex structures which make modifications or change difficult. However, large organizations for better or worse tend to have more resources to address “Root Causes” once they have been identified. However, they are more bureaucratic with layers that make the use of available resources competitive and segmented.
Smaller organizations have fewer resources, both financial and personnel. However, they are more agile, less bureaucratic, and frugal. They can deploy resources effectively and efficiently once they identify “Root Causes”. In an open sea analogy, a large organization is like turning an aircraft carrier into the wind alongside of a nineteen foot speedboat. The aircraft carrier is much larger, has more power, resources, and capabilities. It lacks speed, agility and requires more resources to complete turns. The speed boat on the other hand is far less powerful with far fewer resources but can make the same turn in a few seconds.
This broad distinction is necessary. It is much easier to make progress on a small scale than it is on a large scale. The dividing line between small and large is resources and agility. Progress always begins with the first step. A thousand mile journey begins with the first step, a Chinese proverb. The first step is necessary for the second, third, and all the rest. Today, business processes defined by technology are disparate and siloed. Many talk about this however, few people understand how to address it and correctly take the first step. Think about it.
