It can happen. Sometimes it even happens on big projects that are deep in debt.

But it only ever happens when the hands-on people get to spend significant time on improving what is happening behind the scenes. That might mean 20% or 50% of their time, not the 2% or 5% that many get.

If the hands-off people calling the shots aren't willing to make that commitment then a heavily indebted organisation's fate is already sealed.