Using a Math Equation to Push for Change

I’ve been thinking about math a lot lately, especially as it pertains to business. I ran across one simple equation in Alan Webber’s Rules of Thumb: 52 Truths for Winning at Business Without Losing Your Self that I really liked (I’ll do a review of it at some point). It is:

C(SQ)>R(c)

which can be read as the Cost of maintaining the Status Quo is greater than the Risk of the change. Basically, nothing is getting done unless this formula can be proven. Sometimes the left side is drastically increased through events like mergers and sometimes the risk of a change is tempered by preparation practices like having standards in place. Either way, it’s important to get your company management to see this equation. And the more lopsided it is, the better.

Working Thoughts 06/18/09
Electronic Medical Records Domino