The importance of corporate functions is often underestimated. However, they can greatly contribute to a company’s competitiveness. The customer insights function at Procter & Gamble, for example, is critical in better understanding its customers. By studying these customers, the firm is able to develop and deploy strategic choices that will give it a competitive edge. The logistics function at WestRock is critical in delivering flexible, customized deliveries, giving the firm a competitive edge. But it’s crucial that functional leaders don’t let their departments become a distraction and instead focus on the core tasks of their organizations. The importance of recognizing…