I find the last paragraphs of this article about how GM improved it's panel gaps fascinating; especially with the discussion of innovation of flaming hot cheeto

I find the last paragraphs of this article about how GM improved it's panel gaps fascinating; especially with the discussion of innovation of flaming hot cheetos came from at the top of HN right now. It fits my bias that modern business/capitalism's biggest waste is systematic devaluation of human capability. "Just show me what you want, and I'll get it for you, guaranteed!" The initial story was that it would take time, and millions for new assembly equipment, which I was ready to approve. Strangely, within a few months, all GM vehicles were within striking distance of the world's best (and still are today.) And I never saw the request for capital. Years later, I asked Spielman how that had happened. "Well," he explained, "when we discussed it with the lower-level operating supervisors and the skilled-trade hourly folks, they told us they could do it... it's just nobody has ever asked for it before, so they didn't think it mattered."