Some obscure Greek playwright or philosopher stated that pain falls on one's head like tiny droplets of water, and that leads either to wisdom or a very wet head. Good advice is often painful. It can go against our cherished beliefs, doctrines, strategies, and tactics. But companies that are willing to change their thinking are often better for it.
The classic example is Gillette, which long had considered its business to be razors. Somewhere along the line, the company realized selling razors was a losing proposition. It decided instead to give the razors away and sell the blades. The strategy worked.
The late Peter F. Drucker, through his books, continues to drop water on corporate heads. His advice runs counter to accepted practice and, therefore, is likely to cause pain. But when heeded, his advice proves invaluable.
Source: Managing Automation, http://www.managingautomation.com