Stop Automating Old Processes. Design New Ones Instead.
The story in brief
Harvard Business Review argues that organisations frequently waste resources by automating inefficient legacy processes rather than redesigning them. The article contends that automation merely accelerates existing flaws, whereas rethinking workflows from scratch yields genuine efficiency and innovation. For professionals, this highlights a critical shift in operational strategy: before implementing digital tools, one must first evaluate and optimise the underlying business logic. This approach prevents the entrenchment of outdated practices and ensures technology serves strategic objectives rather than perpetuating historical inefficiencies within corporate structures.
What this means for your career
You must prioritise process design over mere technical implementation. Roles requiring analytical thinking and workflow optimisation will surge in value, while those focused solely on execution of outdated methods face obsolescence. Pay close attention if you work in operations, management, or IT, as your ability to critique and redesign systems becomes your primary asset. A smart professional would immediately audit their current tasks to identify inefficient patterns before seeking automation solutions. Invest in developing skills in business analysis and strategic process mapping. Demonstrate to your employer that you can streamline workflows fundamentally, ensuring any technology adopted enhances rather than accelerates flawed operations. This mindset shift positions you as a strategic thinker rather than a passive operator.
Original reporting: Harvard Business Review ↗
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