"Don’t Spend Time Optimising Something That Shouldn’t Exist"

Elon Musk’s philosophy, encapsulated in the phrase “The best part is no part. The best process is no process,” is particularly relevant for DevOps and engineering teams focused on improving technology. But how does this concept apply to the operational side of an AI/SaaS company?

As someone who engages with AI and SaaS leaders across Europe and the US daily—typically fast-growing companies with ARR between ￡5M and ￡15M—I’ve observed a common trend. These companies often rise to success through a combination of exceptional products, stellar sales and marketing teams, and, most importantly, agility in their early stages.

However, as these companies expand, they tend to introduce more processes and procedures, often as a natural part of scaling. But is this always necessary?

I’ve had numerous discussions with leaders who are re-evaluating their processes and questioning whether these established procedures are now hindering rather than helping their growth. It’s a critical consideration: while processes are essential for organisational stability, they can sometimes become bottlenecks as the company evolves.

So, what should you consider?

• Identify Bottlenecks: Reflect on which processes might be slowing down your team or company. Are there steps that are redundant or counterproductive?
• Optimise or Eliminate: Determine whether these processes should be optimised to better fit the current stage of your business or if they should be completely removed to streamline operations.

I invite you to share your thoughts and experiences on this topic. How do you balance the need for structured processes with the flexibility required for growth?

Written by me, polished with Ai