Warning: Dinosaurs In The Way!

Warning: Dinosaurs In The Way!

It happened again. This time it happened in Detroit, USA, at a business meeting with one of the leading companies in the automotive industry.

I met an intelligent, promising, and enthusiastic 37-year-old Supply Chain Manager who studied our solution intently and sincerely, beaming with excitement. His comments were: “This is exactly what we need. An automated process that will lead to cost savings and efficiency!”

“BUT... you know my boss.” he finished with a pained sigh, partially deflated.

His boss has been with the company for 25 years. In those 25 years, this boss has put a process in place, a process based on zero automation as it was simply not available at its point of conception. Said boss, getting close to retirement, is from the “if it ain’t broken, why fix it” school of thought; there seems no need to change a process that has worked for so many years.

Even if he could save millions?
Even if at zero investment cost?
Even if it is completely hassle free, through a push of a button?

Mr. Enthusiastic had no reply.

But for now, I secretly know, the answer is a Tyrannosaurus Yes.

We call them the dinosaurs of the industry: Those that don’t have the appetite for change anymore, or the stomach to handle change. They will sit and wait in unknown resistance, in an unsustainable ecosystem, deflecting change, possibly deflating some promising careers, until evolution wins.  

The meeting ended with:
Him: “Let’s stay in touch. I will let you know once I have a new boss. :-)”
Me: “I look forward to hearing from you.”

And now we wait.

Ken Lyon

Non Executive & Advisory Board Member - Logistics & supply chain management technologies

9 年

You might add also fear of unleashing new thinking that highlights investment errors of the past... Trying to gain traction in environments where huge technology investment has resulted in promotions, coverage in media and favourable relationships with incumbent vendors is the toughest sell of all... As you know, patience and persistence are the required attributes.

Fun Man Andy

Constantly trying to work out how to make work (and life) FUN...!!

9 年

This is a great summary of how Change is often averted. I've come across many a dinosaur in my time and my strategy is to provide significant data and evidence that the Change is required. If that still doesn't work I ask why they send their car to the garage for maintenance... "So that it keeps running efficiently" to which I repond "so if it ain't broke we should review it for maintenance!"

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