Questions of the week:??Why did the team not think of the simple idea of breaking the source data into three sheets, namely a survey, scoring, and scorecard?
I write this article based on the insight of my conversation with my team in our monthly 1-on-1 call. I speak with each one of my team members. This article is to share this week's question and our working method. You can subscribe to the Building Our Team newsletter (2900+ subscribers)
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Why did the team not think of the simple idea of breaking the source data into three sheets, namely a survey, scoring, and scorecard?
During our recent culture call, I proposed a simple yet effective idea: splitting the source data sheet into three separate sheets. The beauty of that solution wasn't rooted in complexity but in its simplicity and clarity, demonstrating how even straightforward concepts can drive impactful results. Later, I was asked:?How can we consistently generate simple ideas like that?
The moment I shared the idea, everyone enthusiastically jumped into the discussion. It was as if a spark had ignited a chain reaction of thoughts and contributions. Team members began building on the concept, exploring variations and offering ways to implement it effectively. This collaborative energy highlighted our collective potential to think through problems and develop creative, simple solutions.
However, it also became a moment to pause and reflect: Why isn't the team regularly coming up with and executing such simple ideas on their own? What might be holding us back from this thinking more often?
The team has all the capability, intelligence, experience, time and environment to think of such ideas in abundance.
The Hard Truth: What's Holding Us Back?
The reality is that every single member of this team is capable of generating impactful, simple ideas. If we're not doing it, then deeper issues are at play, and it's time to be honest about them. Here are some of the reasons why simple, effective thinking might not be happening:
- Laziness: Some of us may simply be too lazy to put in the effort required for deep thinking. It's easier to coast along with routine tasks than to pause and challenge ourselves.
- Reluctance to Think: Maybe we don't want to think deeply because it's hard work. Critical thinking is uncomfortable, and it demands mental energy that some are unwilling to spend.
- Complacency: There may be a sense of comfort in the status quo. If you're satisfied with "good enough," you'll never push yourself to develop something better.
- Lack of Vision for Income Growth: Perhaps some of us can't see how these small ideas could eventually double our income. The connection between creative thinking and personal financial success isn't clear enough.
- Lack of Desire for a Richer Life: Maybe there's a lack of ambition to lead a richer, more fulfilling life. You won't be motivated to think creatively if you don't care about improving your circumstances.
- Low Integrity: Some might lack the integrity to push themselves toward excellence. They say they're committed to growth but don't follow through in action.
- Fear of Responsibility: Simple ideas often come with the responsibility of leading change. Some may fear stepping up and being held accountable for implementing these solutions.
- Aversion to Risk: Thinking creatively and simplifying processes carries a degree of risk. Fear of failure or making the wrong move can discourage people from taking initiative.
- Overreliance on Others: If you're waiting for someone else to develop ideas, you're not taking ownership of the opportunity. Relying on others to lead means missing the chance to lead.
- Inability to Focus: Maybe distractions or poor time management are getting in the way. If you can't focus, you can't think deeply.
- Resistance to Change: Even if a simpler solution is obvious, resistance to change can stop progress. People can get stuck in old ways of doing things.
- Lack of Self-Belief: If you don't believe in your own ability to come up with great ideas, you won't even try. Confidence plays a huge role in the willingness to think boldly.
- Short-Term Thinking: Focusing only on immediate tasks without considering long-term impact prevents strategic ideas from forming.
- Lack of Agency: Some may feel they don't have the power or influence to make meaningful changes. This mindset of feeling powerless can be self-defeating and lead to inaction, even when opportunities for impact are right there.
- Poor Use of Me Day: Finally, if you're not using Me Day as it's intended—for deep, strategic thinking—you're squandering a valuable resource that most teams don't have.
Steps to Generate Simple Ideas:
- Start with the 'Why': Always lead with 'why' questions to understand your work's root purpose. Simplicity comes from clarity, and clarity comes from knowing exactly why something needs to be done.
- Break Down the Problem: Divide the challenge into smaller, manageable parts. Simple solutions often emerge when we focus on one aspect at a time.
- Frame the Challenge in Different Ways: Rephrase the problem to see it from multiple perspectives. This exercise can reveal simpler, more efficient solutions. If you can define the real problem correctly, you solve half of it.
- Ask 'What If' Questions: Use 'what if' scenarios to think outside the box. These questions spark creative thinking and help you challenge assumptions.
- Mix Ideas and Build Collaboratively: Share your initial thoughts with a select group of team members. These should be people who will constructively challenge and refine your ideas, not overwhelm them with excessive input. Positive people play a key role here.
- Practice Removing Layers: When a solution seems complex, strip away non-essential elements. Simplicity is about focusing on what truly matters.
- Utilize Your Thinking Day (Me Day) Effectively: Me Day is a gift—a golden opportunity to develop one of the most valuable skills in our toolkit: the ability to simplify. I will never get tired of repeating this because it will take you places you never imagined before. Don't let this day slip by or treat it as an afterthought. Use it with a purpose to reflect deeply, simplify problems, and come up with actionable ideas that can transform our processes.
I challenge each of you to reflect deeply on this. Are you guilty of letting these factors hold you back? If so, it's time to make a change. Use your Me Day wisely, simplify problems, and think about how these ideas can benefit not only the team but also your own future success.
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