When the SteerCo Chair Sought Advice from the Cleaner (intro)

Not every integration issue is about systems or synergies. Sometimes, it’s as simple as a kitchen. During one project, the SteerCo Chair happened to strike up a conversation with the building’s cleaner. He asked what colour the new worktop should be. She didn’t hesitate. “Anything but white,” she said. It stains too easily, especially with the amount of traffic in that space. Even the beige surface already looked worn, and it wasn’t that old.

About a week later, Facilities presented their refurbishment plan. Their recommendation? White. They spoke with confidence about how fresh and modern it would look. The Chair listened, then paused. “Did you ask the cleaner?” he said. The room fell quiet. They hadn’t. [Click to read the full story on Substack]