I just finished Design (Tom Peters Essentials) by guess who… Tom Peters! 
A few key lessons about systems that I picked up from this great little read include:
1) “Addition is the exercise of fools. Subtraction is the exercise of genius.” It’s
easy and common to add “stuff” (e.g. programs, etc.). It’s the subtraction that gets ugly
and difficult but is the most critical step in streamlining a system. Peter’s writes,
“Obese systems are Enemy No. 1 of change and agility… and Ally No. 1 of the upstart
commercial competitor.”
2) Two quotes of interest:
Peter Drucker – “Much of what we call management consists of making it
difficult for people to get their work done.”
John De Laney – “Anything truly important can be summarized and
clarified in one-third of a page.”
3) Peters gives a “Systems Summary”: Systems matter. Systems always grow (in the
main unintentionally) like topsy. Systems, however well intentioned, will eventually
impede innovation and thwart progress. Systems are too important to be left to
‘systems administrators.’ Systems must be the concern of CEOs. Systems can…
FOSTER CHANGE. FOSTER INNOVATION. BE SIMPLE BE CLEAR. BE GRACEFUL.
BE BEAUTIFUL.
My walkaways…
- Churches have systems too.
- Typically within the church, systems are the result of a series of additions. Without the
necessary subtractions, the systems become complicated and bulky. It is difficult to
subtract because of emotional attachments, traditions, etc.
- Churches would benefit from a systems review and overhaul (in many cases).
- How many churches have aligned their systems with their mission and values?
- How can we create a system that simplifies life and ministry for our volunteers and
staff?
What do you think?
Thanks for sharing -makes me want to read the book!
Sounds way to complicated. I am a firm believer that if it isn’t broken then don’t fix it. I don’t believe in trying every new and updated thing that comes down the pike. I need more stability than that. This church grew immensely due to the congregation being equipped (build) to go and “Bring” people in. To Subtract is the same as minus. The removal of what? or who? What are we willing to lose Collectively as a church? The Essence of Traditions are a foundation, such as the Bible, Which are not meant to be changed otherwise people tend to get lost,forgotten, or subtracted. I think that this book sounds rather disturbing and encourages unnecessary changes. John 21:15-17. Why would we need to sacrifice emotional attachments or Traditions? They are very important to me. They bring the warmth to my life in Christ.
Is this topic a prelude to some changes?
This sounds like a prelude to change for us at Northgate. I am a firm believer that if it isn’t broken then don’t fix it. Our church grew immensely as we the congregation were equipped (Built) to go out and “Bring”. To Subtract, minus, the loss of. I absolutely agree that we get emotionally attached or we wouldn’t come back over and over again. What are we getting ready to lose? What are we collectively as Northgate willing to lose or subtract? I think People would be the last answer.
The Essence of Traditions like the Bible, are a foundation which are not meant to be changed, otherwise people may be lost or forgotten. John 21:15-17 Feed the Sheep.
What exactly IS a “system”? Procedures or people? Subtracting faceless/impersonal”systems” may be appropriate for a business setting, but the church is not a business. If subtracting “systems” means hurting people, who like it or not, are emotional creatures that tend to make attachments that everyone may not understand or sympathize with, then we had best step gingerly and with much prayer aforethought. I read fear of more “change-for-the-sake-of-change” in another’s comments. I wonder why they are fearful? Could it be that they have had enough change and that any more, however well-intentioned, will just be the proverbial last straw? Simplifying the “system” to make life “easier” for the volunteers might best be done by the volunteers themselves.
“Addition is the exercise of fools. Subtraction is the exercise of genius.” I stepped up and began a ministry last fall. Lots of enthusiasm on my part and those on the team with me. We tried to do too much too fast. We will pare down and start the 2007 year slower …Addition and subtraction.