Last time we talked about the importance of focus in helping to
make Simple really simple!
Today we want to examine the myth that says “complicated means better.”
There is a misconception that says if a process,
service or product is more complex, than that must mean it is better – faster –
more high tech – trendy – the only choice.
Have you ever had a conversation with someone who
delights in using four syllable words when a simple one would work just as
well? John Jantsch talks about that as well in his Simple is Hard post:
As any regular Twitter user will tell you, you have to work sometimes to
get your point across in 140 characters, but the real demon is that we feel the
need to make things sound more important than they are or to demonstrate in
verbose ways how much, in fact, we know about something that others don’t. I
can’t tell you how many times the editor of my book suggested that I needed to utilize
use simpler language.
The reality is that our customers, co-workers,
employees, life partners, just want to have a conversation. Big and fancy,
isn’t always better. Sometimes when we put ourselves in the shoes of others we
realize that using simple language and recognizable examples make for a more
effective conversation. Rashel Dan talks about that in his article entitled How to Make People Understand Complicated
Ideas. The truth is, when we make our conversation
more complex, rather than impress, we tend alienate our audience by making them
feel inferior. Not a great plan of
action.
Just because it is easy, doesn’t mean it is bad.
In fact, using a simple approach can help you achieve your goals and
communicate more effectively. John
Jantsch ends his article with this challenge:
Turn to a 6 year old and ask them
what you do and pay close attention to the answer because it’s probably not
draped in the mask of importance that we so seem to cling to. Simple has far
more value than complex, try it on and see how it feels.
Keep the K.I.S.S. principle in mind when thinking about your business. Ellen
Jones warns: Be careful what you wish for... She
shares this simple message:
Every day I work with horses and
people, I learn. Learning what not to do is sometimes the most important part
of growing. I've learned from every person and animal I've been fortunate
enough to work with. The resounding lesson? Simple is always better.
So
how will you simply your business and your life today?
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