Jim Thompson emphasizes the fundamental goal of any

business: generating invoices and receiving payment. He asserts that the

"invoice printer" is the most crucial machine, as its operation

signifies a successful exchange of goods or services. Thompson critiques

management approaches that overemphasize process over this core objective,

particularly for new employees who might lose sight of the ultimate aim. While

acknowledging that most businesses, unlike some large tech companies, require

structured processes due to the nature of their products, he stresses the

importance of regularly auditing and streamlining these processes to ensure

they remain aligned with the primary objective of revenue generation.

Ultimately, the piece advocates for a constant focus on the "invoice

printer" as the path to business success.