The Customer Mission Andrea Olson

Steve Jobs found pleasure in reducing a product’s feature set. He hated clutter, loved simple. As business leaders, we often have a hard time saying no to new features, products, or initiatives that support growth. However, too much stuff creates complexity and in turn, reduces the organization's effectiveness. Wharton researchers report that 74% of executives believe complexity is inhibiting their growth strategies and tactics. So why do we keep adding more to the pile?


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· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

What does losing weight, learning to play an instrument, and growing a company all have in common? They take time. Often, a lot of time. However, we are in an age of instant gratification. Whether due to advances in technology, or a decline in our attention span, the drive to get results faster has sped up to an almost breakneck pace. And what's the drawback to this? We dismiss new ideas and opportunities too early and shortchange their ability to deliver transformative outcomes.


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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Simplification is one of the hardest things to do, but it is also one of the most effective. When you examine your own organization's projects, initiatives, strategies, and engagements, take the time to consider what you can eliminate, rather than what you can add to make it more effective.


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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Consider a situation where a major change for an organization is being debated amongst a leadership team. The group discusses the pros and cons, evaluating whether it should be implemented and if it will produce the outcomes they're trying to achieve. After a lengthy back-and-forth, they choose to proceed. However, the results fall short of expectations. Does this sound familiar? Why does this occur? I'd guarantee that a lack of dialogue between the front line and the leadership team help facilitate the failure.


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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Yes, a best practice is often arbitrary and based mainly on habit – the result of conditions that no longer apply. What we call best practices were at one point good or smart business moves, but we seldom do the work to determine how long they stay the “best” or whether they’re universally applicable. In short, best practices are only the best until they aren’t.


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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Imagine you're faced with creating organizational change. You need to do something big and bold to turn around the organization's downward trajectory. Or you need to catapult growth. You have some great, innovative ideas that you've vetted and know they'll make a positive impact. You have a budget, resources, and a rollout plan. You're all ready to go - or are you?


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This episode is sponsored by
· Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app