--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The problem here is not that there were…" description: "\"“The problem here is not that there were too many firms involved. Each was appropriately specialized for its current task. The problem instead is that ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/james-p-womack-12182_quote_the-problem-here-is-not-that-there-were_1227311.jpg" --- # The problem here is not that there were too many firms… ![“The problem here is not that there were too many firms involved. Each was appropriately specialized for its current task. The problem instead is that each firm was providing a partial product, often only looking inward toward its own operational “efficiency” while no one was looking at the whole…” quote by James P. Womack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/james-p-womack-12182_quote_the-problem-here-is-not-that-there-were_1227311.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/james-p-womack-12182_quote_the-problem-here-is-not-that-there-were_1227311.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/50d/james-p-womack-12182_quote_the-problem-here-is-not-that-there-were_1227311.jpg) > ““The problem here is not that there were too many firms involved. Each was appropriately specialized for its current task. The problem instead is that each firm was providing a partial product, often only looking inward toward its own operational “efficiency” while no one was looking at the whole product through the eyes of the customer.”” [James P. Womack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-p-womack/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Focusing on narrow efficiency within specialized firms leads to fragmented products; lacking a holistic view of the customer experience. **In simple terms:** Specialization can cause blind spots; seeing the whole product is essential. Key Takeaway Adopt a customer‑centric perspective across all functions. Themes business strategy customer focus systems thinking Mood analytical critical Type strategic organizational When to use this quote - product development - service design - cross‑functional teams Key Concepts Value chain integration holistic design customer journey Questions to Reflect On - How can you ensure every team sees the product through the customer’s eyes? - What structures promote holistic thinking? A Different Perspective Over‑emphasis on internal efficiency can ignore market needs. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet ## Related quotes > [“Taiichi Ohno blamed this batch-and-queue mode of thinking on civilization’s first farmers, who he claimed lost the one-thing-at-a-time wisdom of the hunter as they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-p-womack/taiichi-ohno-blamed-this-batch-and-queue-mode-of-thinking-on/) [James P. Womack](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-p-womack/) > [“all of these activities—the creation, ordering, and provision of any good or any service—can be made to flow. And when we start thinking about…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-p-womack/all-of-these-activities-the-creation-ordering-and-provision-of-any/) [James P. 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