Therefore Strategic Technology Services

Friday 22 November 2013

The power of evolution & a picture that tells a story

We are firm believers that there are two ways of achieving anything – by evolution, or by revolution. The notion of evolution is of particular interest to the Therefore Team. In short, we believe that small tweaks can add up to a huge impact, if the tweaks are oriented towards a clear strategic vision. The trick is the strategic vision. Without it, the small tweaks are pretty much guaranteed to take you nowhere in particular. They will, however, keep you busy!

Before we started developing the Therefore Business Process Management Suite (BPMS) we spent a lot of time defining a clear strategic vision for the product. The initial release was undoubtedly revolutionary … but the real magic has been what we achieved after the initial release, through the power of evolution.

We have been taking market feedback for a period of some 14 years and using it to drive a continual cycle of refinement. Every week we make between 10 and 20 small refinements to the Therefore BPM Suite. In a year that amounts to about 780 refinements. The Therefore BPMS has been under continual refinement for the last 14 years, which translates into some 10,920 refinements. What would you expect if you refined something 10,920 times? Trust me, the impact is huge … but it requires commitment and a clear strategic vision.

The bottom line … when it comes to bringing life to your strategic vision, don’t forget to bring well oriented tweaks into the mix. Make the principle of “a well oriented tweak” a part of your strategic conversation and corporate culture. Not easy I know, but perhaps it starts with you!

Now for something slightly different, but stick with me … it will make sense.

Over the years there have been a myriad of questions regarding the Therefore logo and, true to form, we have been very cagey on giving away too much detail. Perhaps it’s time for a clue.



If you look at the Therefore logo, it implies a process of invention and refinement – a journey of discovery. You can almost see it come to life. The logo talks to our commitment to the belief that small refinements made within the context of a clear strategic vision unlock significant value.

We would like to accompany you on your journey of discovery. 

Updated: 6 December 2020
 

Tuesday 12 November 2013

What’s in a name? Good, Cheap & Fast. Pick two.

Some time ago, I wrote a blog article that gave a small clue to why we called our business Therefore Strategic Technology Services (What's in a name?). At the time, the question was answered in the most cryptic of terms … and we are still not going to give the full secret away. None the less, provided below is the second clue to how the name Therefore was settled upon.

The Holy Triangle

Consider a triangle with three corners. Draw a dot on each corner … and you have the Therefore symbol, assuming that you have one dot at the top and two dots below it. Interestingly enough … turn the Therefore symbol on its head … and you get the symbol for Because.

Now, let’s give the dots names … Good, Cheap and Fast.



The rules of the game are simple. You can only ever touch two of the three points. So, if you select “Good” and “Cheap” … you can’t have “Fast”. Similarly, if you select “Cheap” and “Fast” … you have to give up on “Good”. Finally, “Good” and “Fast” are certainly not going to add up to “Cheap”.

This principle is referred to as the “Holy Triangle”. When creating a project charter, you need to consciously select two out of the three options, as dictated by the strategic position that the project plays in your environment. Sadly, you can't have it all.

The image below is often used to portray the “Holy Triangle”. Interestingly enough, you may be able to draw it … but it would be impossible to model it in the real world.



If you look at it carefully, there are three possible outcomes when you make your “Good”, “Cheap” and “Fast” selection.

You choose ... Good + Fast = Expensive

Your Team says ... Choose “Good” and “Fast” and we will postpone every other job, cancel all appointments and stay up 25 hours a day to get the job done. But, don't expect it to be cheap.

You choose ... Good + Cheap = Slow

Your Team says ... Choose “Good” and “Cheap” and we will do a great job for a great price, but you may need to find a bit of patience.

You choose ... Fast + Cheap = Inferior

Your Team says ... Choose “Fast” and “Cheap” and expect an inferior job delivered on time. The “Inferior” option is not a recommended position, and the Therefore Team are unfortunately not available to assist.

Now back to Therefore …

By now you would have guessed that the Therefore Team feel strongly about optimising your use of resource, both from the perspective of your financial and time resource … and we are aware that the world in which you operate has a scarcity of both. Quality can never be compromised.

The three points contained in the Therefore logo encapsulate this philosophy.