Do we really have a problem or we are just told that we do?
This text examines supplier-induced demand in professional services, where experts who diagnose a problem also profit from providing the solution. Drawing parallels to a historical example of unnecessary tonsillectomies, the author argues this phenomenon in modern business isn't necessarily driven by greed but rather by a cultural shift where professionals prioritize constant action and growth. To counter this, the article suggests actions such as strengthening internal expertise, separating diagnosis from implementation, and fostering a culture that values thoughtful restraint over unnecessary action. Ultimately, the text emphasizes the importance of questioning whether proposed solutions are truly needed to avoid costly and potentially harmful outcomes.
https://hbr.org/2025/04/when-outside-experts-diagnose-your-problem-and-sell-the-solution
Share this post