Title: The Lean Business Body: Why Management is the "Fat" of the Organization

Excerpt:
Viewing a business as a human body, the core functions—like product creation, sales, and shareholder strategy—are the essential “muscles,” “heart,” and “brain” that drive value. Management, on the other hand, often acts as the “fat,” there to cushion and support, but not directly creating value. While some management roles serve as helpful ligaments or connective tissue, excessive layers of management can weigh down an organization, much like unnecessary body fat. In a lean business, every role needs to directly support value creation or facilitation, keeping the business agile and effective. Managers who don’t add true support to core functions become excess weight - better burned off to maintain efficiency and agility.

Why Every Corporate Professional Should Start a Side Business

For many corporate professionals, starting a side business isn’t about leaving a stable job but about building a valuable skill set that’s hard to learn within corporate structures. The real value lies in sharpening decision-making skills - the kind that directly impacts business outcomes.

In traditional corporate settings, decision-making is often filtered through hierarchical layers, where alignment with company norms frequently takes precedence over innovation. However, in a side business, every choice counts, and the consequences are immediate. This environment pushes you to make impactful, quick decisions with no corporate safety net to absorb mistakes. Each success or setback directly informs your approach, sharpening your ability to handle responsibility, evaluate risks, and adapt rapidly.

Starting a side business while working in a corporate role can transform your approach to both work and entrepreneurship. It equips you with the skills needed to take on bigger responsibilities, make high-impact choices, and move confidently in any business setting.

Title: The Lean Business Body: Why Management is the "Fat" of the Organization

Excerpt:
Viewing a business as a human body, the core functions—like product creation, sales, and shareholder strategy—are the essential “muscles,” “heart,” and “brain” that drive value. Management, on the other hand, often acts as the “fat,” there to cushion and support, but not directly creating value. While some management roles serve as helpful ligaments or connective tissue, excessive layers of management can weigh down an organization, much like unnecessary body fat. In a lean business, every role needs to directly support value creation or facilitation, keeping the business agile and effective. Managers who don’t add true support to core functions become excess weight - better burned off to maintain efficiency and agility.

Why Every Corporate Professional Should Start a Side Business

For many corporate professionals, starting a side business isn’t about leaving a stable job but about building a valuable skill set that’s hard to learn within corporate structures. The real value lies in sharpening decision-making skills - the kind that directly impacts business outcomes.

In traditional corporate settings, decision-making is often filtered through hierarchical layers, where alignment with company norms frequently takes precedence over innovation. However, in a side business, every choice counts, and the consequences are immediate. This environment pushes you to make impactful, quick decisions with no corporate safety net to absorb mistakes. Each success or setback directly informs your approach, sharpening your ability to handle responsibility, evaluate risks, and adapt rapidly.

Starting a side business while working in a corporate role can transform your approach to both work and entrepreneurship. It equips you with the skills needed to take on bigger responsibilities, make high-impact choices, and move confidently in any business setting.