Practice Simplicity

We operate in a complex world. For most of us, we operate in complex work environments; companies reflective of multiple departments and units, products, service offerings, locations, and people all working together, hopefully, to achieve a common goal.

However, in addition to all these more traditional aspects of corporate complexity, we (humans) have made our companies infinitely more complex via an overlay of fragmented technology, excessive controls, excess people, process variations, fragmented interior space, numerous management frameworks and improvement methods in use, among many other things. The weight of such complexity is like running with a 45lb plate on your back; hardly agile, hardly sustainable.

Hence, something better is needed, required but what? In my opinion, most midsize to large companies need to pursue, as one of their corporate strategic goals, a massive complexity reduction (aka 'simplification') exercise. By any measure, it is we (humans) who have created the complexity crisis we see today.

Every day, week, month, and year we introduce more and more complexity into our business. Trouble is, because of each person's limited view and authority we do not see the incremental complexity overlays. But at 10,000 feet, one can see quite clearly that, unbeknownst to us, we have been adding layers of complexity to our business thus adding to the challenges that companies naturally face in today's fast, fluid, and interconnected world. Know this: simplicity works and complexity kills.

Therefore, do what others are doing when you encounter the complex in your business, ask "Can I simplify this further?" Complexity, in all its forms, serves no one. Choose to go the other way. In short, choose simplicity.

Related Reading

• Complexity and the Case for Incrementalism

• Simplify, Eliminate, then Integrate Everything!

• Front Only the Essentials of Your Business

Facing a complex change challenge in your organization? Book an OD consultation with Henosis Partners.