Leverage makes us less resilient. We become more vulnerable to disruption when everything is optimized, automated, and running at maximum efficiency.
Slack in our systems gives us room to breathe and experiment, the capacity to absorb unexpected challenges, and the freedom to adapt when things don’t go as planned.
This might mean keeping extra inventory, having backup suppliers, and maintaining time buffers. It might also mean saying no to “efficiency” which reduces our ability to respond and adapt.
Resilience isn’t about maximum optimization but the flexibility to survive and thrive when change comes. And it always comes.
Where can you add more slack?