Simplicity

by Edward de Bono

Published date: 1998

Category: Self-help

Insight: Organisational simplification often requires breaking larger units into smaller ones, decentralising and delegating power.
Insight: A barrier to simplification within organisations is when senior management does not want to give up power.

Example: "The Ladder Approach" - based on the idea that we can reach a great height by making one small step at a time.
Insight: The Kaizen approach of gradual and continuous improvement is the opposite to an grand restructuring.
Insight: The process of simplifying can be done gradually with small simplifications over time.

Definition: Work expands to fill the time allotted to it.
Insight: "There should be a law of complexity: 'sufficient complexity will always be created to fill the need for complexity'".

Insight: Within an organisation it can be more effective to simplify processes rather than training for complexity.
Insight: Simplicity needs a reference point. Simple with reference to what?
Insight: Simplicity can help enforce habits. Spending effort to simplify a task or routine can remove efforts to make those actions automatic.
Insight: Simple systems are usually: easier to set up, monitor, repair, disassemble.
Insight: The purpose of communication is simplicity and clarity. Complexity can lead to confusion. Simplicity without clarity might lead to misinterpretation and ambiguity.