In our work, there always seem to be simple answers to complex problems, if you do your homework. And, it is quite often that what seem like huge and complex problems are simply replays of very common and previously-faced challenges. I recenlty saw the most simple explanation for the auto industry crisis and it was written years ago.

Usually Dilbert is the one comic that truly captures the tragically funny (i.e., would be funny if it wasn’t describing my actual professional life) things that happen in business every day. In this case, though, an old Calivin and Hobbes cartoon perfectly describes the auto industry crisis better than any strategic analysis our firm or any other analyst could do. (click the comic to enlarge the image)

It’s funny. But, it is also pointing out a repeating pattern that needs to be broken in the auto industry immediately and across other businesses as well. Take a quick read. Laugh, laugh uncomfortably becuase it is too close to the truth, or laugh it off, but take a moment to read it and consider how you might avoid the same issues in your business.

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