Semco and Toyota, despite being successful companies, cannot serve as models for other businesses to emulate. Their success is not replicable due to the unique circumstances and contexts in which they operate. Semco’s success, for instance, is largely attributed to Ricardo Semler’s leadership and the particular Brazilian market conditions. Toyota’s success, on the other hand, is rooted in the distinctive Japanese culture and the company’s long history.
These unique factors make it impossible for other businesses to simply copy these models and expect the same results. It’s not about the method, but the context. Each company operates in a unique context that shapes its practices and strategies. Therefore, what works for one company may not work for another.
The idea of learning from other successful companies is appealing but often misleading. Instead, companies should focus on understanding their own unique context and developing strategies that fit their specific needs and circumstances. They should also be open to change and adapt their strategies as their context changes. This adaptability is crucial for long-term success.
The key takeaway is that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for business success. Companies need to stop looking for magic formulas and start understanding and adapting to their unique contexts.
Go to source article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-we-cannot-learn-damn-thing-from-semco-toyota-niels-pflaeging