KISS or DOSS?

One of the latest versions of macho management is KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid). But doing so could be causing supply chain problems.

Too much KISSing means failing to recognise and therefore to manage the complexities of the modern economic world. In some cases this has created tensions and stresses in middle management – they are left to deal with the complexity on their own and mask it from their bosses. KISSing may seem appealing in supply chains, made up as they are of simple elements. It is only when you bring those together into a fully functioning and integrated operation that complexities arise. Outsourcing does not solve the complexity, but changes the management skills required. It is still necessary to understand and manage the complexity. So instead of KISS, for successful supply chain management a different acronym is needed – DOSS (Don’t Over Simplify Stupid).Simon Tomlinson