The Velocity of Bureaucracy

Michael DucyOpscode@mfdii

The Velocity of Bureaucracy

Michael DucyOpscode@mfdii

The Hypothesis:Orgs are really slow to do shit

Why?Natura abhorret vacuum

-Aristotle

Parkinson’s Law:

"work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion"

Also known as:

We tend to be lazy procrastinating fuckers.

In a reduced timeline we tend to be more productive.

(or it appears that way)

Also:

The Law of Multiplication of Work

Person “A” becomes too busy.

Has 3 choices: Resign, Split the Work With B, or hire C and D

And then of course:

C and D need help and repeat the behavior of A. Now you

have an org of 7

A

C

E

F

D

G

H

“An incoming document may well come before each of them in turn. Official E decides that it falls within

the province of F, who places a draft reply before C, who amends it

drastically before consulting D, who asks G to deal with it.”

But G goes on leave at this point, handing the file over to H, who

drafts a minute, which is signed by D and returned to C, who revises his draft accordingly and lays the

new version before A.

But that would never happen?

Would it?

Add to this: Parkinson’s Law of Triviality

(Also known as Bike Shedding)

Let’s build a Nuclear Reactor for $100 Million = OK!

Let’s build a Bike Shed for $350 = Well, should it have a steel roof or

shingles?

A, C, D, E, F, G, H all debate the trivial details, because that is the

domain of what they can understand or comprehend.

Small orgs are more flexible, nimble, agile, and faster

Empower your people and GTFO of the way

Else we are all fucked