The Productivity Puzzle – John Seddon

In this thought-provoking episode, John Seddon joins James Lawther to unravel the complexities of productivity and growth within modern organisations. Seddon, an occupational psychologist, consultant and author, critiques the prevailing reliance on government regulation, economic theory, and technological quick fixes such as AI. He argues that these approaches often hinder genuine progress, advocating instead for a shift towards effectiveness at the enterprise level. Through engaging anecdotes and references to Deming’s influential work, Seddon highlights the importance of systems thinking, knowledge, and purpose-driven management. The discussion explores the pitfalls of target-setting, the unintended consequences of regulation, and the limitations of technology in addressing poor performance in service organisations. Seddon calls for politicians and regulators to step back, empowering managers to innovate and focus on delivering real value. This episode offers valuable insights for leaders seeking sustainable improvement, challenging conventional wisdom and encouraging a more thoughtful, evidence-based approach to improving organisational performance.