Keep It Simple!

I am often amazed how often complexity creeps into an organizations, even relatively small ones. According to Albert Einstein “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.”  How often we fail to take his advice! I have worked in a relatively small organization that that had processes in place that would have made Rube Goldberg proud.

From my experience there are two primary sources of this complexity: external and internal. External complexity can come from complex legal requirements such as compliance with laws and regulations, shifting markets, complex supply chains etc. internal complexity can arise from lack of strategic direction, overlapping functions, inattention to process, lack of communication and managerial incompetency’s.
While it may be difficult to affect external complexity, it is certainly possible to deal with internal complexity. To combat internal complexity I suggest that you:

1. Hire entrepreneurs. These driven individuals are good at overturning the apple cart and pushing aside impediments to success.
2. Facilitate a culture of innovation and spontaneity, create motivation to work across departments.
3. Periodically look critically at your processes to make sure that they are simple and effective.