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.

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.