The quote suggests that the process of reengineering—essentially, a fundamental rethink and redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in performance—requires skilled, committed individuals. It implies that those who lack competence or are merely passively involved (the “hangers-on”) should not be entrusted with such critical tasks. The underlying message is that successful change requires expertise, dedication, and an active engagement in the process.
From a deeper perspective, this highlights the importance of having qualified individuals leading initiatives that can significantly impact an organization’s effectiveness. It stresses that superficial involvement or token participation will not yield meaningful results; instead, reengineering demands focused effort and insight from those who genuinely understand both the challenges at hand and the goals to be achieved.
In today’s world, this idea resonates strongly across various domains—from business transformation to personal development. In organizations facing rapid technological changes or competitive pressures, having leaders who are not just present but actively engaged with solid knowledge is crucial. This means hiring or promoting people who possess relevant skills and experience rather than simply filling positions for formality’s sake.
In personal development as well, this concept can be applied by recognizing that self-improvement requires dedication and a proactive approach rather than passive consumption of information. Individuals seeking growth must actively engage in their learning processes—whether through seeking mentorships, pursuing education rigorously, or practicing new skills consistently—rather than relying on half-hearted efforts or external validation alone.
Ultimately, whether in organizational settings or personal growth journeys, success demands commitment from capable individuals ready to take ownership of change initiatives rather than those content to linger on the periphery without real contribution.
