Over the break I came across a quote which I love from Oliver Wendell Holmes.
"For the simplicity on this side of complexity, I wouldn't give you a fig. But for the simplicity on the other side of complexity, for that I would give you anything I have."
There's a difference between informed simplicity and uninformed simplicity.
It's such an important distinction to make in business, right?
When it comes to making strategic choices, it’s tempting to cut corners. To avoid complexity all together.
Often that path leads to one of two (sometimes two of two) undesirable destinations.
Sticking with the status quo: ‘I’ve been doing this a long time and really there’s only one way to do it’
Wish-washy taglines and visions (often poached from somewhere else) or a strategy with no teeth.
I think people see complexity as a bad thing, but I like it - it’s where the opportunity lies.
I call it ‘leaning into the messiness’
Designers know this well, it's foundational to the way in which they solve problems
Earned Simplicity
Complexity isn’t the problem, it’s the work.
It’s only by embracing complexity that we gain the clarity we need to craft a strategy that is simple, purposeful, and impactful.
Rather than rushing to easy answers, we earn simplicity by delving into the layers of nuance to find our opportunity and our edge.
The answers don’t come from burying your head in the sand - they come from facing and curiously interrogating reality.