We know we should keep it simple. Even the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius said “Ask yourself at every moment – is this necessary?”
Knowing it and doing it are two different things though.
Had a great coffee catch up yesterday with a team who have been successful for well over 15 years using a very simple business model. It’s not sexy, it doesn’t glitter like gold and it’s a business that will never be listed on the NZX. But it works, and it works well.
When they’ve found things getting hard, wheels spinning and everyone is head down in detail, going back to a simple core model has reset what they’re doing.
Even the very best organisations need to take that step back and just check it. When life seems unproductive and being busy isn’t resulting in more returns, ask yourself “are we only doing what matters?”.
Whether you’re striving for profit or there for community outcomes, remember that complexity is the trap that can lead you astray.
The Optimistic Cynic 