For centuries inventors have dreamed of a perpetual motion machine, one that will run unattended forever. It doesn’t exist. Leaders have dreamed of a perpetual motion company, too, one that will run without ever needing attention. If there is a common failing in novice leaders, it’s believing the perpetual motion dream. They want to believe that once a process is introduced and put into effect, it will run by itself. Like the fantasy perpetual motion machine, the unattended company will never take place; there are four laws preventing its existence.

The law of friction

When two parts or two people work together, friction is expected. Friction generates heat. Heat causes components to expand beyond their normal size, which will affect working tolerances and slow the machinery, ultimately leading to a breakdown. Careful engineering and attention (e.g., regular lubrication) will forestall, but not prevent, the need to replace parts. Greasing the wheels is a subject too broad for this column, but in a company it translates to rewards in the form of money, title, prestige, affirmation, and responsibility.

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