HBR IdeaCast Goodbye Bureaucracy, Hello Common Sense
Jan 19, 2021
Martin Lindstrom, founder of Lindstrom Company and author of "The Ministry of Common Sense," dives into the detrimental effects of bureaucracy on organizations. He emphasizes how outdated practices hinder productivity and employee engagement. Lindstrom advocates for empowering teams to implement common sense solutions, breaking down silos, and valuing grassroots ideas. Through real-world examples, he illustrates how empathy and initiative can drive meaningful change, especially in challenging times like the pandemic. A must-listen for anyone seeking to enhance workplace efficiency!
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Bureaucracy's Roots
- Bureaucracy comes with age, size, and layers in a company.
- It's a lack of common sense, creating internal rules that disconnect companies from customers.
Sunday Banking
- A bank in Asia closed branches on Sundays despite customer demand.
- Lights and AC remained on, with staff present but unable to serve customers due to headquarters rules.
Empathy and Common Sense
- Lack of empathy correlates directly with a lack of common sense.
- Companies prioritizing self-preservation and excessive caution lose empathy.
