On a regular basis, I meet companies that use the BAPO model as part of their ways for working and set of conceptual models. Interestingly, I often get asked what the right interpretation of the “P” is. In the original model, it stood for process (covering ways of working, processes and tools). Some companies, however, use the “P” for different purposes. One interpretation is that the “P” stands for people. A more cynical interpretation iss that it stands for politics. I realize that politics is the most effective mechanism we have for distributing resources when it is not feasible to come to a rational, consensus based decision. Still, I encounter too many situations in the companies I work with where different factions fight each other through political means not because they have different ideas about what is best for the company, but rather for personal gains and benefits. Again, I understand that companies work best when the needs of the company and the needs of individuals are optimally aligned. However, I can’t help wonder whether the European software intensive industry would be better off if leaders would focus less on getting their part of the pie and instead focus on growing the pie for all of us. It’s not like we don’t have some serious competition from other regions in the world.