Let’s be honest, we like complexity
Complex is the preference for so many of us, and it is easy to understand why. The appealing nature of complexity is rooted in many of the insecurities we are all susceptible to. “Complex problems demand complex solutions” is the justification many of my peers recite as they justify their rates and fees to clients. Digging deeper, we can see seductive appeal towards complexity. Complex solutions provide a reassurance that the problem being confronted is beyond anybody’s ability to solve. The more complexity we use to frame a problem, and create an increasingly complex solution, we feel increasing levels of pride at the immense show of intellectual prowess we put on display. We use buzzwords, each with at least a dozen unique steps and phases, to put our perceived value on full display for others to see. So, what is the problem with all of this? Complexity does not solve anything; it only guarantees the proposed solution will fail.
Corporations are best served by screening perspective managers in the hiring process who can develop simple solutions. Simple solutions provide the single best opportunity for success. Simple solutions can be quickly implemented, and they are SIMPLE to test for their effectiveness. We are living in a world with companies operating under continuously challenging circumstances, and financial resources are limited. New ideas and solutions have limited time windows to prove their worth. Increasing demands on our personal schedules require solutions we can quickly test to validate if they are working. Is this new app, diet, or exercise plan working as promised? How much time would you honestly give these programs to work before casting them aside?
Creating simple solutions is a skill set that many people are unable to leverage in their personal and professional lives. Simple solutions are practical, and unlike their complex peers, they have a good chance of working. The beauty of simplicity is the opportunity to see things change for the better in our job, and in our homes. Our ability to create simple solutions is what lies at the heart of getting things done. It is the beginning of a new year. It is the beginning of a new year. Let’s put the complexity aside and get things done.