Back to Basics "Simple is King"
Less is More
In today’s fast-paced business environment, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that more is better. More features, more processes and more customization often feel necessary for success. However, the reality is, the path to sustainable business growth and operational efficiency lies in "Simplicity". Let's explore why keeping things basic is the ultimate key to success (personal life and in business).
Complex vs. Simple: The Human Dilemma
Despite the universal desire for simplicity, we often find ourselves complicating our work, projects and even our personal lives (it creeps up on you from the shadows). This is because complexity can feel more impressive or "sophisticated". We believe that "bigger" and "more" is better; that to solve big problems, we must build big solutions. But, the honest truth is; the more complexity you have, you're often left with more confusion, inefficiency and even failure (failure to execute due to options fatigue).
One of the key challenges businesses face as they grow, their sense of self-importance also grows. Large organizations often feel that their problems are unique; leading them to adopt expensive and custom-built solutions. But in most cases, the problems they face are still simple at their core (they're just making it seem bigger than it really is). It's a false and exaggerated perception of what actually is needed to solve them.
Why Simplicity Requires Courage
Simplicity is not easy! Brevity is even harder! ~Joseph Sal
Easier said than done! It’s easy to say you want to keep things simple, but taking the actions needed to put this into practice; that takes courage. Simplicity is often viewed as "unsophisticated" or "basic", which (from a societal norm/status quo) can be hard to accept. We are only human; we have an underlying need to feel special or unique. This human flaw can lead people and organizations to complicate things unnecessarily. Truth be told, true sophistication lies in reducing problems to their simplest form.
I'll say it again, "Simplicity is Hard". Simplicity demands focus and discipline. It’s a lot easier to throw more tools, processes and layers at a problem than to strip it down to the bare essentials. Achieving simplicity requires courage and mental fortitude to resist overcomplicating things.
The Downside of Bespoke Solutions
One area of complexity can often manifest through "bespoke" or custom-built solutions. Many companies (particularly large ones) believe they need specialized tools that are tailored to their unique problems. However, this often leads to inefficiency and unnecessary complexity (in most cases the issue is not the lack of tools, rather the lack of proper frameworks/methods).
Custom solutions can create a false sense of progress; they're actually creating more problems rather than solving them. Off-the-shelf solutions are often more than enough to address the core needs of a business (turnkey and ready to use out of the box). In fact, adding too many customizations decreases operational efficiency due to the increased overhead of unnecessary processes.
Simplicity ≠ Basic
Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler...~Albert Einstein
Simplicity is not the same as being basic or unsophisticated. In fact, achieving simplicity in business, design or technology is often the most sophisticated solution of all . When we reduce something to its most essential parts, we unlock clarity and focus.
Simplicity; is the ultimate sophistication...~Leonardo da Vinci
In writing, for example, it’s far easier to write long, convoluted sentences full of technical jargon (and words we don't even understand) than it is to convey an idea in clear, concise language (plain English). The same is true in business. Creating simple solutions that directly address the problem at hand without extra layers of complexity requires skill and insight.
Real-Life Lessons in Simplicity
Pinkberry's Rise and Fall
A great example of the power of simplicity can be found in Pinkberry’s early success. When Pinkberry first entered the frozen yogurt market, they offered only two flavors. This minimalism not only created operational efficiency but also helped them stand out in a crowded market. There was less overhead, inventory was easier to manage, and the customer experience was streamlined.
However, as the company grew, they began to add more flavors, toppings, and options, losing the simplicity that had made them successful. The once simple operation became complex, and with that complexity came a loss of their unique appeal.
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Southwest Airlines' Success Through Simplicity
Another great example of simplicity in business is Southwest Airlines. From its inception, the airline differentiated itself by offering a streamlined and no-frills flying experience. By focusing on only one type of aircraft (the Boeing 737), Southwest reduced training and maintenance costs significantly. They also kept operations simple by avoiding the complexities of seat assignments, meals, and multiple cabin classes. This simplicity allowed them to offer lower prices and more efficient service, helping them grow into one of the most profitable airlines in the U.S.
Southwest's dedication to simplicity helped them maintain lower operational costs and allowed them to "pass on savings to customers". While other airlines focused on offering more services and premium experiences, Southwest focused on what mattered most—getting people from point A to point B affordably and reliably.
Southwest focused on what mattered most—getting people from point A to point B affordably and reliably...
Simplifying Business Operations
Simplicity should also be the "Cornerstone" of any business operations. Over time, businesses accumulate processes, policies and tools (digital hoarding) that may no longer serve their original purpose (we need to keep a maintenance mindset and purge frequently). Streamlining operations by eliminating unnecessary steps can free up resources and improve efficiency. Sometimes, businesses carry old baggage simply because "that’s the way it’s always been done", but successful organizations know when it’s time to cut back and focus on what truly matters.
Bigger is NOT Always Better
Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Sunflowers aren't better than violets...~Edna Ferber, Author
If you're a small business (less than 100), then act like one. Small businesses often look to larger companies for inspiration, assuming that their success is tied to their complexity (this is so far from the truth). This can lead small businesses to adopt overly complicated processes, systems and frameworks that don’t align with their size or needs. The truth is, what works for a company with 10,000 employees won’t necessarily work for a company with ten.
Being "Small" in business is a blessing! This is an advantage (agility & simplicity) that should be leveraged. The larger an organization, the more difficult it becomes to maintain focus and clarity. By keeping things simple, small businesses can outmaneuver larger competitors bogged down by complexity.
If It Ain't Broke; Don't Fix It
Ignorance is not, not knowing something. It is knowing what isn't so...~Mark Twain
One of the most powerful tools for innovation is ignorance. Often, the people who create groundbreaking solutions are those who don’t know all the "rules" of an industry. Not being weighed down by conventional thinking allows them to approach problems with fresh perspectives (what's better and more fun is "un-conventional" thinking).
In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's, there are few...~Shunryu Suzuki
The taxi industry didn’t invent ride-sharing apps like Uber/Lyft—outsiders, who weren’t steeped in the industry’s long-standing traditions did. Their ignorance of how things were "supposed" to work allowed them to rethink the entire model and offer a simpler, better and more effective solution(s).
Final Thoughts: Simplicity as the Ultimate Goal
"Simplicity" is more than just a design principle; it’s a business strategy. By focusing on the essential and cutting (trimming the fat) out the unnecessary, businesses can operate more efficiently, innovate with less friction and provide better solutions to their customers. However, achieving organization wide simplicity is no easy task. It requires discipline, courage and a willingness to throw out what doesn’t work.
Whether you’re running a business, designing a product or just organizing your day-to-day work; always strive for simplicity. It’s not always easy, but it'll be all worth it in the end.
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