Engineering is a constantly evolving field, and what worked yesterday may not be the best solution for tomorrow. It's easy to fall into the trap of sticking to the same processes because they've been optimized over time. However, these processes often fail to keep pace with new challenges and opportunities. With A.I. a lean approach becomes critical if you want to succeed any automation.
That’s where a new way of thinking comes in—questioning, simplifying, and refining systems to unlock greater potential.
This five-step framework, inspired by Elon Musk’s approach, will help you rethink the way things are done, and as engineers aspiring to become intrapreneurs, it’s a chance to lead by creating impact through continuous improvement.
1. Question the Requirements
The first step in improving any process is to take a hard look at the current requirements. Are they still relevant? Or are you optimizing something that was designed for a different time? As Elon Musk often says, “you have to question everything”—not just accept what’s handed to you.
It’s easy to get caught up in improving systems that are already in place, but sometimes the real challenge lies in recognizing when a system no longer works. Engineers are often trained to accept what’s handed to them, using what we call “convergent logic”—a way of thinking that solves problems in the most direct way possible. But Musk advocates for “first principles thinking”: breaking everything down to its basics and asking the tough questions: Do we really need this? Is this still the best approach? What if there’s a better way to do this?
2. Eliminate Redundancy
Once you’ve questioned the existing requirements, it’s time to tackle redundancy. As Musk has frequently pointed out, “it’s easy to add more, but hard to take away”. Often, processes become bloated over time, with additional steps added “just in case” or out of habit. This extra fluff creates inefficiencies and slows everything down. To use Musk’s analogy, think of it like trying to run with a backpack full of unnecessary stuff—each item just weighs you down.
For engineers, this step is about trimming the fat—removing the parts of the process that no longer serve a purpose. Sometimes, that can feel counterintuitive. After all, isn’t it better to be safe than sorry? But the truth is, every extra step adds to the complexity and makes the system harder to manage. By focusing only on what truly matters, you create a leaner, more effective process.
Intrapreneurs, especially those in more rigid, hierarchical environments, may face resistance when trying to remove steps that seem “necessary.” But this is exactly where growth happens—stepping outside your comfort zone, challenging established norms, and finding ways to innovate, just as Musk has done with his ventures.
3. Simplify or Optimize
After eliminating the unnecessary, it’s time to simplify what’s left. Musk often stresses that “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication”. Streamlining processes might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s more than just making things “easier”—it’s about maximizing efficiency. Think of it like organizing your workspace: you want to remove distractions and make sure every tool is easily accessible.
In engineering, this means making sure each element of the process is working as efficiently as possible. There’s no room for inefficiencies, and every task should serve a specific purpose. Optimization is an ongoing effort. It’s not something you “set and forget.” With constant feedback and small improvements, you can keep refining the system, ensuring it stays efficient over time.
The drive to simplify and optimize is what keeps many engineers passionate about their work. It’s the challenge of making something better—more efficient, more functional, and easier to manage—that keeps the work interesting. It’s also what separates intrapreneurs from the rest—those who continually look for ways to make improvements and drive positive change. Musk embodies this mindset through the constant push for better performance, whether in electric vehicles, space exploration, or the Boring Company’s tunnel projects.
4. Accelerate Cycle Time
Once the process is lean and streamlined, it’s time to speed things up. Everyone wants to get results faster, but the temptation to rush can often lead to mistakes. The key to acceleration lies in working smarter, not harder. It’s about fine-tuning processes to run more efficiently so that your team can deliver results without sacrificing quality.
The risk here is in rushing ahead without making sure everything else is in place first. Think of it like trying to run a marathon without first training. If the foundations aren’t strong, you’ll burn out. So, after simplifying and optimizing, that’s when it’s safe to focus on improving speed. As Musk has said, “speed is essential, but it’s important to get the foundations right before you push for faster results”. Intrapreneurs can make a huge impact here by reducing cycle time, enabling quicker decision-making, and bringing projects to completion faster.
5. Automate
Now that the process is optimized, it’s time to introduce automation. Elon Musk frequently emphasizes how “automation can free up human time for more important creative work”. It’s like having a trusted assistant handle the repetitive tasks, leaving you with more time for strategic, creative work. Automation increases consistency and efficiency, allowing you to handle more with less effort.
But—and this is crucial—automation should only come after the process has been optimized. Automating a flawed system only speeds up inefficiencies, and that’s not helpful in the long run. Think of automation as the final step in a well-oiled machine—it works best when everything else is already working smoothly.
For intrapreneurs, automation is a game-changer. It frees up resources, allowing you to focus on the bigger picture—innovation, strategy, and long-term impact. By automating the routine, you create space for more exciting and meaningful work, just as Musk has done in revolutionizing industries with SpaceX, Tesla, and more.
The Iterative Nature of Improvement
Improvement is never a one-and-done deal. As Musk advises, “you need to iterate and improve constantly”. As you go through the five steps, you might find that some areas need revisiting. Maybe some steps weren’t as effective as expected, or new challenges arise. The key is to stay flexible and be willing to adapt. Continuous improvement isn’t about sticking to a rigid formula; it’s about learning, evolving, and growing.
This flexibility is essential for intrapreneurs. The ability to take what works and refine it, while learning from mistakes and adjusting as you go, is what makes the difference between temporary fixes and long-term success. As you move through the steps, remember that growth happens when you adapt, iterate, and keep improving over time.
Conclusion
This five-step process—questioning, eliminating redundancy, simplifying, accelerating, and automating—is a roadmap for improving systems and processes. It encourages engineers to think critically, break free from traditional methods, and embrace innovation. By focusing on continuous improvement and efficiency, you can create solutions that drive meaningful change.
For engineers aiming to become intrapreneurs, this process is not just about improving systems—it’s about transforming how you work, how you think, and how you lead. Questioning assumptions, simplifying the complex, and automating the mundane is the way to build a career that stands out, fosters growth, and brings real, lasting change. So, Are you ready to rethink the way things are done?
