Simplicity

Posted by Scott Williams
10 Comments
January 13, 2009
Big Is The New Small | Leadership | Life Application

simplicityI learned very early on as a leader the importance of simplicity.  When I was a Warden in the Prison system, I would have regular meetings with my key staff to discuss what could be done to simplify their job.  Many times the answers to the simplicity question would be things such as: minimizing paperwork, reducing bureaucratic log jams, streamlining of central office vs. prison facility processes…

I’ve always valued simplicity and have embraced the gravity of creating a culture of simplicity; both at home and at work.  A culture of simplicity can include but is not limited to:

  • Stop trying so hard and making everything a”Big Deal.”
  • Avoiding knee jerk reactions.
  • Embracing the “5 Minute 5 Phone Calls” concept.
  • Allowing your team to have some space, allowing your team to do their job. (Avoid Micromanagement)
  • Reducing the amount of paperwork, steps, hoops, processes…
  • Creating a culture of healthy conflict and the minimization of drama.

Keep It Simple Stupid (KISS)…  Stop trying so hard and embrace “Simplicity.” 

Simple People+Simple Culture+Great Leadership=Colossal Results!  BigIsTheNewSmall

Share your thoughts, experiences, opinions on the importance of Simplicity or the lack of.  What are you doing to create a culture of Simplicity?

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/abi37671 ~abi~

    wow! this is exactly what i need to be doing in my life right now: simplifying! thanks for the lesson, scott!

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/ScottWilliams ScottWilliams

      I'm glad it spoke to you!

  • Roller

    I totally agree with working at simplifying the process. Unfortunatelly I work in finance and they think more is always better, sometimes I agree, but often its just a continous flow of spreadsheets and forms that instruct the next operation. This flow of operations often creates people who lack the ability to think and re-act to situations. I think in simplifying a buisness it becomes extremely important to also clearly define the roles. If everyone knows their responsibilities then there is a much more effective and simple process. I believe God simplified his commandments to 12, he put the bible in our hands today to provide additional insight and guidance, but in the end there are 12. He wants us to serve and to love. Nothing clouded about it. We sometimes spend more time analyzing our actions and talking to others when God simply wants our actions.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/ScottWilliams ScottWilliams

      Amen

  • http://www.annameadows.com Anna Meadows

    How am I simplifying my job? Giving more of it away…

  • http://www.daveingland.com Dave Ingland

    Ever since reading Simple Church by Thom Rainer I have embraced the philosophy of keeping things simple, yet there is always the inclination to do more to reach more people. Your post coincides with Craig Groeschel's message from his book It. In it, he asks what is the one thing you can do better than anyone else? Focus on that and don't overwhelm yourself with more.

    In my mind, the best way to keep things simple is to come up with a focused vision that can be simply stated and embraced. With everyone on the same page, things become simple :) Keep the main thing the main thing. Thanks for a great and timely post Scott!

  • http://basementseven.com Heady

    The first time I sent my wife flowers before we were married I put on the card simplicity captures beauty. I had her ever since. lol… Simple is amazing when done right.

    • http://intensedebate.com/people/ScottWilliams ScottWilliams

      If you like simplicity, you need to get on Twitter… get on twitter!

  • http://intensedebate.com/people/Beaconhillnw Jim

    ok,hold on,you were a Warden in a prison?

  • http://www.averagegal.com AverageGal

    I really like the point on Micro-Managing. To me this is the biggest mistake any person in a leadership position can make. There is nothing wrong with giving some guidance and direction, however it’s near impossible for people to be great when they are being “told” how to achieve greatness.

Designed by EightDay Studio. Powered by the Standard Theme. Developed by Milk Engine.