From the Dark Side of Productivity, Part 1 of 2

Ironically, just a few days before that story appeared, the publication carried a remembrance of Michael Hammer, often called the “Father of Re-Engineering,” who passed away at age 60 on Sept. 4. The article noted that Hammer, author of the 1993 business best-seller, “Reengineering the Corporation: A Manifesto for Business Revolution,” was a remarkably successful and influential consultant. He revolutionized many businesses. Among his achievements, he helped Schneider National cut the time it took to complete a job bid from two weeks to two days, and he helped Royal Dutch Shell improve reliability and reduce costs by focusing attention on refinery safety and efficiency. He was recognized and lauded by Time and Forbes, and commanded huge consulting and lecture fees as a result.