This week on the podcast, it’s just me. The idea was sparked by something I wrote on LinkedIn. Most of us know about it but remain blissfully unaware of its origins.

Planned Obsolescence

See most of us consumers complain a lot about this concept. Planned Obsolescence is the natural result of something fatally breaking down. We need to replace it and always with an upgraded version. You know what I mean, right?

These days, almost nothing is built to last.

If we are lucky, we can get three years out of something. But definitely not always. Toys, sneakers, clothing, appliances, electronics, garden tools, kitchen dishes, and even the tools we buy all seem to go kaput much earlier than they ever did, don’t they? Except vehicles. Those are being made to last much longer, and their price tag reflects that, too.

In the old days, when manufacturing was bigger, the equipment was expensive and, more often than not, imported from Germany or Italy. Because those countries had solid reputations for building things that lasted almost forever. Even just twenty-five years ago, manufacturers who could not buy replacement machines scoured the world for replacement parts to keep their ancient assets going and going and going.

Then Came Robotics

The lifespan of a robot is much shorter than that of those ancient machine workhorses. It’s often the computer chips that go first. And we all know what happened to the number one computer chip factory during COVID. I don’t think the world has completely recovered from that yet because relying on those still spotty supply chains remains a reality. Computer chips aren’t maintained. They are replaced. Robots can only be maintained for a while, and then they need to be replaced. The sarcastic among us call that Planned Obsolescence.

Here’s the thing

Many of us think decisions about planned obsolescence are made at the boardroom table. BUT, most boardroom conversations revolve around improving the corporation’s results.

Those conversations pave the way for projects like finding cost savings, improving purchasing power, re-engineering operations, and—an all-time favourite—improving productivity.

It shouldn’t surprise you that very little time is spent discussing the possible downsides any of these tactics might have. After all, making a handsome profit is in everyone’s best interests, right?

The implementation of those specific projects and tactics is what turns good quality into bad. It’s what shortens the product’s lifespan, durability and relevance. And it’s one of the biggest drivers of the ever-increasing piles of ‘useless stuff’ garbage that our municipalities must divert somewhere.

Planned Obsolescence

Is never a decision. Planned Obsolescence is an outcome of decisions made. Planned Obsolescence is the result of having an out-of-control, always operating in growth mode, expanding at any cost possible economy and monetary system.

See, the concept of planned obsolescence is actually very much against the law in many, many countries.

But the concept of growing for the sake of growing and to be the biggest and the best? The idea of continuously improving profit and finding ways to take more market share?

THAT is just fine. And that is what is taught, practiced and encouraged for every business in pretty much every country.

Today, we live with the consequences of 50 years of growth, globalization, free trade, and the mantra of bigger is always better.

And it is killing our Planet, our Businesses and our People.

Just because this is the way it has always been doesn’t mean it has to stay this way.

You and I hold the power to tilt the sails, adjust the jib and change how things move forward.

The real question is, will we? And that’s the million-dollar question.