Here's a little thought experiment that can apply to everyone here, in any business, and in any country. Let's say you had the power to immediately and permanently change one thing about how your company, or a key supplier, does business, what would it be?
"One thing" is a tough constraint, so before I make my single wish on the monkey's paw I have to decide between wishing for a simple change that has caused so much grief and waste over the years.... #1 is "Stop planning projects by fixing the end date", or something more theoretical that applies across more of the company's disciplines... #1 is "Leaders and team members recognize what outputs/results qualify as making progress towards a goal."
The first is a specific problem because the dates are chosen by looking at a calendar only, with no pre-planning of projects and absolutely no loosening of other constraints. Surely every one has heard of the "fast, inexpensive, good... pick any two" paradigm? This one was listed first because it has literally been the most common reason for project failures and profit losses for decades.
The second is a more general problem that manifests itself in many frustrating ways: people don't know what they are doing (or why), managers don't recognize success (or failure), actions are not directed, etc.