Today we’re sharing insight from guest blogger Joe Calloway, author of “Keep It Simple,” “Magnetic,” and several other game-changing business books. We hope you enjoy Joe’s wisdom and perspective.
One of my clients, the CEO of an international agriculture business, said, “The price we pay for making things too complicated is immeasurable. It slows us down, makes for bad decisions, and scatters our efforts.”
Indeed.
Think about those three parts of the “price we pay” for making things too complicated:
1. Making things too complicated slows us down.
In today’s world if we don’t move quickly opportunities disappear in the blink of an eye. The inability to focus and simplify means we will overthink our decisions, going back and forth with pros and cons and new considerations that we continue to add to the pile.
Simplicity and focus enable us to make decisions more quickly. That’s a competitive advantage.
2. Making things too complicated makes for bad decisions.
In your experience, which solutions are the most effective? Which ideas are most likely to create success? The complicated ones? Or the simple ones?
I ask that question of my audiences and the answer is unanimous. Everyone agrees that simple solutions and ideas are always the best. When we make it complicated we increase the likelihood of failure. As we simplify we increase the likelihood of success.
3. Making things too complicated scatters our efforts.
This is a very steep price that can make the most ambitious of dreams and aspirations come to absolutely nothing. When we lacked focus and make it all too complicated, our efforts are watered down and weakened in their effect.
What’s The Risk?
When we make things too complicated the risk is immeasurable. Slowed progress. Bad decisions. Scattered efforts.
As the great inventor Alexander Graham Bell said, “Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”
Our work is like the sun. It doesn’t burn bright until brought to a focus.
This content was written and shared by guest blogger, Joe Calloway.
Joe Calloway is a business author, adviser, and speaker who helps business leaders improve performance, accelerate growth, and drive success. Joe is the author of several game-changing business books including Becoming A Category of One, Be The Best At What Matters Most, Magnetic, and his most recent, Keep It Simple. Joe’s clients range from Coca Cola, Cadillac, and American Express to entrepreneurs, non-profits, and small business owners.
Connect with Joe on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Visit his website and blog for more information.
