More is Less...but Less can also be More!

This is my first of two lessons learned this week…and I’ll make it quick!

The most recent two chapters of the reading for our class was about how “More is Less” in terms of gathering information. The discussion provided numerous examples of how compiling more and more information can actually make decision making MORE difficult and provide LESS clarify in a situation. Furthermore, collecting more information would increase the level of difficulty for designers to build automated decision tools. The readings reminded me of some great advice from Retired Army General Colin Powell, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

His 40/70 rule is a great example of a way to balance explicit and tacit knowledge. On the low side, General Powell suggested that you should NOT take any action if your odds of success are less than 40% because you still need or want to gather more information (explicit knowledge). On the high side, you shouldn’t delay taking action until you are 100% certain you have taken the time to gather ALL of the information you need because it will be too late to take action – 70% is more than enough. “Once you are in the 40-70% range, go with your gut” (tacit knowledge).

And I’ll share some of the advice I often get – be succinct. I’ll stop here for today because the opposite lesson of our weekly reading is – “Less can also be More!”. Enjoy your Sunday!