What do the wheel, nail, pulley, rubber band, sliced bread, paper clip, post-it notes, zipper & velcro all have in common? They’re simple! These items & many more make our lives easier every day. In fact, we probably can’t go a day without using at least one. These “low-tech” solutions can get overlooked with so many technological gadgets that help untangle our lives.
One of my coaches believed strongly in the K.I.S.S. method to keep himself from over-complicating the myriad of daily decisions. He showed us that leaders provide many positives; breaking down complex concepts can often be one of the most important. By simplifying the message it’s received clearly by the majority & improves the entire enterprise by helping everyone connect their job to the overall vision for the enterprise.
*Clear Vision & Purpose
There were two masons working on the same project. A passer-by asked the first mason what he was working on. He replied, “I’m building a wall.” He keeps walking & when he sees the second mason asks the same question. He replied, “We’re building a cathedral!” Boom! Clear vision & purpose in four words! Don’t we all want to be engaged & inspired by the work we do? Leaders say “we” & keep everyone connected to the over-arching vision for any project. It must be communicated (overstate for clarity), shown by example & most of all…simple!
Most of us work inside organizations that have layers that can slow progress. The more complex the hierarchy the more it can conspire against getting things done. Our individual influence can have a positive impact when projects get mired in bureaucracy. As leaders, we all have a responsibility to help facilitate others’ success. This simple message on a workplace poster is a perfect example, it stated…
-Know your job
-Do your job
-Inform leadership if you don’t know or can’t do your job
Excellent straightforward example. The best part is that it’s all up to us; no money, special talents or skills needed, just our own effort. It focuses us on the things we can control. Imagine how quick teams would come together if these three were taken care of every day!
*Know Your Job
It’s our primary responsibility to know what we’re supposed to be accomplishing every day. What’s the stuff you were hired to do to help the company move forward? Learn all you can, stay passionately curious, involve others & press on!
*Do Your Job
The majority of our lives don’t involve “nirvana” moments, instead we generally just have to get on with it. How we go about our work shows a ton about our character, leadership & caring for others. We all use our individual talent strengths to “get ‘er done”. Creating the acceptance space for employees to do the same serves as much needed inspiration during the daily grind.
*Tell Leadership
Unless you work for yourself we all have a “boss” of some sort or at least are responsible to someone. If we don’t have the right “tools” to get the job done we’ll spend most of our time finding workarounds. Creativity is obviously a needed skill but if things are being held together with duck-tape & baling wire something bad will eventually happen. One of the most common complaints is the lack of communication. Inform leadership tactfully, they’ll be glad you did!
Here’s another list that can clear up thinking processes a bit. Strive to do things…
1. Safely 2. On time 3. By the book
This works in multiple ways & can help reinforce how much we care. If we can’t do it safely there’s no point in doing it on time or by whatever governing framework our jobs are accomplished. Being on time is crucial but if we aren’t safe in doing so there’s no point. Following the “rules” is great but not if the first 2 conditions aren’t met. Keep “paralysis by analysis” at bay & take a page out of one of the most successful companies around…
“The utmost in sophistication is simplicity.” -Apple
We don’t do anything by ourselves, we need others to truly accomplish great things for any endeavor. If we set the example of tapping into our powerful intuitions it will hopefully build a culture of common sense in our interactions with people & stuff. When we remind ourselves to “keep it simple stupid” we listen with humility, learn more & lead better!
All the best,
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