I wrote late last year that I’ve seen a few trends in business over the last decade + which causes me some confusion and maybe even angst. Aside from the proliferation of C-suite roles that I wrote about, the other item that has become a pet peeve is the number of “flavours of the day” of any process, framework, or behaviour that is being introduced, perhaps to try and identify a niche or a differentiator.
I completely understand the need to highlight to all customers what makes a company and its offerings different (or better) than the competition. A differentiator, competitive advantage, uniqueness – it all makes sense. It’s fundamental strategic thinking. However, does different always have to be considered something new, and with the ubiquitous acronym? Even if it’s only changed by 5%?
A few cases in point.
Project Management is as universal a business skill as communication, leadership, and change management are. I’ve read articles referencing new methodologies that have cropped up recently, many borrowing from other business tools. Aside from waterfall PM (what I’d consider the traditional), there are now frameworks called agile PM, lean PM, scrum PM, and even kanban PM. Why? In some cases (yes, I’m looking at you kanban), this is merely a scheduling tool borrowed from TPS. I’m unsure why introducing a visual card justifies a new methodology for PM. Why can’t it just be considered as such: a slight adaptation of a tried-and-true method?
Next is the endless parade of leadership styles. Collaborative, situational, democratic, autocratic, transformational, bureaucratic, servant and this is only the tip of the iceberg. I get it! There is a difference between Management and Leadership. We are all unique as leaders, but is there value in trying to put a name on every possible personality and style? Let alone realizing that people often adapt based on the situation. I’m proud to say I present a chameleonic leadership style at times. 🙂 Do we need 10-20 subdefinitions of leadership types (or 21 if my chameleonic one goes viral)? I could agree with four to six, but any more than that makes it feel like we’re splitting hairs.
The last one that has caught my attention lately is all about goals and measurements. We have goals and objectives. Then, projects, actions, and initiatives. KPIs, Key Results, Measurables, and Metrics all follow. The final result is outputs and outcomes. And we’re discussing which term is better and more applicable in different scenarios. Why? Isn’t it simply goal -> planning -> execution -> accomplishment? Yes, a PDSA cycle at its core.
I won’t even tackle other elements of a business that are equally known for their flavours; training and coaching styles, continuous improvement tools, and meeting formats, to name a few.
I consider these steps to be the fundamental business cycle in keeping the focus on the core value of the business.
#1) Identifying and creating the “thing” that adds value to a customer(s) Purpose, Strategy, R&D
#2) Have positive employees who sing (yes, like a choir) about the company and its offerings to existing and potential customers. Culture
#3) Sell, make money, and repeat. Sales, Supply Chain, Operations
#4) Review, analyze, seek improvement, and return to #1. Continuous Improvement
My simple ask. Let’s not create a new flavour if it isn’t justified. If you have identified something new and unique, congratulations! Shout it from the mountaintop (and write a book to help others like myself, learn and improve). But, if you’re only putting a very subtle spin on an already proven and working methodology, style, or framework, call it just that and not something intended to be more than what it is. Most people aren’t fooled by the terminology or semantics wizardry.
When I go to my favourite dairy bar and order an ice cream with scoops of two different flavours (three if I’m living on the edge), I don’t call it something new. It’s a combination of other flavours. It might not sound as exciting or innovative, but it speaks the truth very transparently.
As to my ice cream flavour preference? I’d call it KISS (key lime pie, Irish cream, strawberry, salted caramel). Hmm, maybe I’ve just identified a new flavour. Or not.