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SIMPLIFY"MAKE THINGS AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE, BUT NOT ANY SIMPLER." |
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Simplify – That‘s the goal of the complexity reduction program within the Bayer AG. Working life should be simpler, clearer and free from unnecessary obstacles. In order to achieve this, every employee is invited to contribute their share. The dialogue picture is used to facilitate discussion and identification of complexity. It illustrates how complexity originates, how it complicates everyday work, and why it damages the company. Moreover, it contains clues and suggestions on how to take action. The dialogue picture is the opening medium in complexity reduction workshops and serves as basis for discussion. For more in- depth knowledge on the topic the picture is accessible via intranet with PC and iPad. |
The content of the dialogue picture: The dialogue picture is separated into three pieces:
On the left side the Bayer-World is shown under the big Bayer-Platform. It illustrates how complexity originates from structures, working styles and processes. In the center of the picture three arrows lead from the left to the right. They outline the three kinds of complexity: The good kind (green), which is part of the business concept and therefore part of the success as well, the given kind (blue), which is to be handled approprietly, for example legal requirements, and the bad kind (red), which has to be reduced. |
On the right side the goal of the work is illustrated, the customer world. The goal is to reach the customer world in the best possible way – but competitors, who can be seen in the right corner, seek for the same.
The goal of the dialogue picture is: to convey background knowledge, establish a common understanding of complexity, help identify complexity, offer advise and impulses to avoid unnecessary complexity, create a basis for a “continuous improvement mindset. |
Sachin Kumar “Complexity is a tricky subject everybody in the modern world has to deal with. In order to be as successful as possible, we want to reduce unnecessary complexity. The dialogue picture provides the support we need: It helps us understand the different kinds of complexity; the good, the given and the bad. It shows why complexity must be managed on the appropriate level and how this boosts the happiness and productivity of the employees.“ |
INDIVIDUAL SCENES AND THEIR MEANING |
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Complexity originating from routine Colleagues who have been working in systems for a long period which grew over time feel comfortable and often don’t realize how complex these systems are. They don’t see the “maze“. However new colleagues have difficulties to find their way and need much more help and orientation. |
Inefficient Meeting This scene shows how a meeting is not supposed to be: The infinity shape of the table suggests neverending unefficient discussions. The presenting “professor“ prepared “too much“ and talks technical jargon that nobody can follow. |
Complexity Concerns Everybody It has to be recognized: Everyone of us causes complexity and especially in the beginning this is not easy to admit. One colleague in the picture brought her complexity-plant, she is very fond of. |
Reducing Complexity On The Executive Level The executives have a strong influence on the behavior of their employees. Different fields of action and examples were defined at a conference, which can be used by executives, to reduce complexity in their own area of responsibility. |
