Lots, I suspect. If you've ever worked for a large corporation, or even a SME whose growth in process has outstripped revenue and innovation growth, you've prob

Lots, I suspect. If you've ever worked for a large corporation, or even a SME whose growth in process has outstripped revenue and innovation growth, you've probably seen plenty of examples where the proof of work is as important - or more important - than the work itself. I could cite a number of examples from my own career but, without naming names, one in particular stands out: a company that, at least for a time, developed an absolute obsession with Toyota-style whiteboards and A3 reports where - again, at least for a time - it became more important to deliver a good whiteboard presentation and A3 report than to deliver real value by doing the real work. Every Wednesday there would be this monstrous and disruptive jamboree where the CEO and a dozen or two hangers-on would tour the office for half a day reviewing whiteboards for various parts of the business in rotation. It was a colossal waste of time for all involved and led to some of the least helpful and relevant examples of drive-by management I've ever seen, even years later. Bear in mind the company was ~250 employees at the time and you'll form an idea of how wasteful this all was, especially when preparation time is taken into account. The irony of this all being based on Toyota's "lean" manufacturing processes shouldn't be lost on anyone. This was many years ago though, and I believe they've moved past it. This story isn't particularly intended as a criticism of them either: I've certainly disappeared down my own share of pointless rabbit holes at times, hopefully learning from the experience along the way. Finally, as a counterpoint, I wouldn't say there's nothing of value in the Toyota approach. Far from it. Nowadays - different company, obviously - I deliver a PDCA style report to the board on a weekly basis but my target is that it should take me no longer than 15 minutes to complete, and I certainly don't drag my whole team into any kind of regular dog and pony show. It is however a quick, easy way of letting people know how things are going, and ensuring that any problems (and solutions) are surfaced.