The way to account for the waste is to get real intell, and who should be believed? You would think open door or surveys would give that, but it isn't safe to question anything or state your opinion unless you have been given permission and it is the party line. When the "successful" people don't have the answer they make one up and the fact that it works is unbelievable! Pointing out the elephant in the room (the fact that the systems are not meeting the needs of the business and no one has quality information from which to draw conclusions) is an unwelcome message. Who is going to tell Doug that? Likely the ones that have nothing to lose -- and we won't be asked. I agree there are middle managers that are useless. It is survival, I guess, having not survived. Intelligence, experience, knowledge -- not valued because you don't understand the "culture". What is the real culture? From where I sit, put your head down, put in your time, be there all hours that get you face time, make sure your face shows up in all the right places even when it is a waste of time, don't question, and conform. That earns you stripes. Any diversion from the formula is sacrilege. Status quo Walmart isn't sustainable. Growing big is NOT the same as being big.
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I think we are doing fine, managing a large business, a mega business, is not easy, everyone has problems. All this will pass, and we'll continue to lead in the industry. I am always an optimist.