Change Quote by Michael Martin Hammer
“Unless companies change these rules, any superficial re-organizations they perform will be no more effective than dusting the furniture in Pompeii.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Reengineering the Corporation, Michael Hammer, 1990
Superficial changes are ineffective; real improvement requires deep structural overhaul.
In simple terms: Surface fixes don’t work.
Key Takeaway
Pursue fundamental change.
Themes
change management
process improvement
strategy
Mood
critical
analytical
Type
theoretical
strategic
When to use this quote
- corporate restructuring
- process redesign
- consulting projects
Key Concepts
organizational design
lean thinking
business transformation
Questions to Reflect On
- What underlying issues need addressing?
- How can you balance quick wins with deep change?
A Different Perspective
Deep change can be costly and meet resistance.
![“We mixed the sounds ourselves. If they were going to put the sound back onto our film [Pink Floyd: Live at Pompeii.], we wanted to mix it ourselves.” quote by David Gilmour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/4dd/david-gilmour-3970_film_we-mixed-the-sounds-ourselves-if-they-we_400750.jpg)
![“I haven't watched it [the film 'Pink Floyd at Pompeii'] in years. I find it excruciating.” quote by David Gilmour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/166/david-gilmour-3970_excruciating_i-haven-t-watched-it-the-film-pink-floyd_355798.jpg)
![“Adrian Maben came to us with the idea. And we just thought, "Well, why not?" I don't think any of us thought it would be as well received and last in people's minds for as long as it did. All credit to him. It's his idea [Pink Floyd at Pompeii] and it was great.” quote by David Gilmour](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/c6a/david-gilmour-3970_credit_adrian-maben-came-to-us-with-the-idea-an_166391.jpg)
