![]() ![]() ![]() So, choose wisely what information needs to be conveyed to employees so they can do they their job effectively without unnecessary stress and pressure. Neurologically, this also makes a lot of sense, as our brains can only keep a small number of concepts in short-term memory at any given time. The same mindset is useful for job design where it can be applied to cutting back on unnecessary processes, procedures or elements that can hinder employee mental health, wellbeing and performance. The phrase ‘less is more’ was brought to fame by the architect and furniture designer Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe who is known to be one of the founders of modern architecture and a simplistic style (10). Does that make your decision any easier when you’re looking for that one amazing drink or sweet? (8) Or how often have you cycled through Netflix only to find a show to watch but also an itching feeling that there might be something better worth watching out there? Think of the ample soft drinks and brands of sweets available on the market today. Individuals also feel less satisfied with their choices when they feel they have not conducted a thorough search. Furthermore, the presence of more options can actually expose the individual to more ‘bad’ options, not more useful alternatives. Therefore, they can make poor choices that do not align with their needs. When there are dozens or even hundreds of options, individuals cannot dedicate the time to evaluate every option carefully. Whilst choice provides the individual with freedom, it can also lead to confusion. Contrary to the phrase ‘more choice is better’, research has continuously highlighted a large assortment of choices can lead to unsuitable preferences (2). Simplifying is about minimising and cutting back on the unnecessary distractions and information. That is, this whole thing called ‘simplification’ actually made things more complicated in the end because we never really stuck to the KISS principle. Without this awareness and commitment, opportunities for simplification may be missed, and individuals may view simplification as a ‘buzz word’ rather than a way to drive better performance and improve organisational effectiveness. How many times have you seen a very simple communication become burdened with the ‘extra’ layers of subtext and disclaimers? Often stakeholders contaminate an elegant solution by adding extra layers of complexity that add minimal value. For instance, adding more procedures to make a process ‘easier’ can sometimes have the opposite effect. Third, leaders need to resist theurge to compromise. Second, leaders must put in place tangible initiatives that are prioritised and be willing to drive them through. That is, they must mentally be focussed on simplification and be aware of what it is and the benefits it provides. In an earlier blog, post 8 principles of simplification were described, and organisations can use these to help diagnose their most common areas of complexity.Īfter conducting this assessment, here are some specific practices that can encourage simplification amongst employees and the design of work.Īs a first step, leaders need to adopt a simplification mindset. So how can organisations implement the principle of KISS? No, not by painting your face in crazy black and white make-up (pardon the dated KISS rock band reference).īefore leaders embark on any simplification activity, they can first assess the system of work. ![]()
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