In the case of excellence, like IKEA, a series of chain-linked activities are all maintained at a high level of quality, each benefiting from the quality of the other and the whole being resistant to easy imitation. On the other hand, when a series of chain-linked activities are of low quality, as in General Motors circa 2007, the system can be stuck, because there is little gain to improving only a fraction of the activities. Marco Tinelli’s success demonstrates that to unstick a stuck chain-linked system, a strong leader must possess the insight and fortitude to make the necessary
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Combining this with the last book i listened to (peoples republic of walmart) "chain link" really is just "centrally planned in a good way"