Beep!Beep! Competing in the Age of the Road Runner
by Chip R. Bell & Oren Harari
Are you a coyote or a road runner? Bell and Harari compare business models based on the cartoon conflict between Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner.
The authors explain what it means to be each, and even how to spot a coyote in road runner clothing. Their premise is that business success in the 21st century will be achieved by road runners and not coyotes.
The secret to becoming a road runner is to undergo a metamorphosis. The age of the road runner is an entirely new business environment. Road runners don't just base their business model on the latest technology. In contrast, coyotes try to masquerade as road runners by using technology without the metamorphosis. Wile E. Coyote always had the latest that Acme had to offer, yet he couldn't achieve his goals. Each time the Road Runner emerged as the winner.
What sets the coyotes apart from the road runners is their approach to doing business.
Coyotes follow procedures. Each step is carried out with strict attention to the rules. It is a slow process. Road runners experiement, always trying to find the best way to accomplish tasks and aren't ham-stringed by procedures.
Road runners work anywhere. They don't need corner offices, titles, or structure. Decisions can be made immediately, without moving them up the heirarchy first. Coyotes are mired in their structure and achievement is rewarded with titles.
Coyotes continually look back. They try to duplicate past performance hoping consistancy will help them achieve future goals. Road runners are always looking ahead. They know that what they did yesterday may no longer be appropriate today.
Road Runner continually defeats Wile E. Coyote by working smarter and being more flexible. Twenty-first century businesses need to do the same.
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