March 2006 Deep Insights

SMARTING UP

Over the past twenty years “Dumbing Down” positions have been a favorite strategy of controlling management and organizations that do not invest in their future. In the twenty-first century, “Smarting Up” will be the chosen path of resourceful management and organizations.

“Dumbing Down” positions helped companies avoid a crisis driven by technology and the need to stay competitive in an expanding global market. They designed work using technology, eliminated redundant steps and created positions that completed work for six or more people. Managements attitude was “Just do, don’t ask questions, you don’t know enough to ask questions, we have built in quality if you follow procedures.” These companies increased efficiency, lowered costs, reduced people count and increased ROI. Thus, their plan succeeded in the short term. “Dumbing Down” became reality. Now it has become apparent short term gains sacrificed understanding of what work was being done and why. The result of “Dumbing Down” has left management and organizations without bench strength to innovate as the global market continues to evolve and create systemic change refocusing on quality relationships.

“Smarting Up” must be adopted to compete in a global market that is moving faster than the speed of light. Management and organizations must rebuild total system knowledge not only by identifying “A” players but by creating “A” positions. First, for too long “A” players have been chosen from the highly educated overlooking personnel with natural abilities but who lacked advanced education. Management and organizations must learn talent is not limited to highly educated people. Second, “A” positions must be designated and/or designed to develop individual’s abilities to lead WHY and HOW change. The position provides an in-depth understanding of technology and day to day operations of the business, industry, competition, local and global influences as they apply. People who are placed in these positions are provided with a broader business understanding and the ecology that influences their business system. When potential “A” players are placed in “A” positions their development will increase exponentially and successful innovation will follow.



Deep Insights
March 2006