Excessive or unnecessary complexity is one of the biggest barriers to organizational success. This is true both internally and externally.
For one, processes and forms aren’t as simple as they could be, and tools often become barriers instead of enablers.
Secondly, the organization’s vision and strategy are typically unclear, if they exist at all, so efforts get diluted by non-valuable work.
Hours are wasted in long meetings, watching drawn-out powerpoint presentations that are more bullet-ridden than Bonnie and Clyde. Valuable information is lost in the noise. Unclear communication in general causes errors, confusion, and conflict.
Is it any wonder employees and customers disengage?
Indeed, simplicity, clarity, and focus are three areas organizations struggle with most. This manifests itself in the organization’s business processes and forms (including project plans); its communication with employees, suppliers and customers; and even its vision and strategy.
I have decided to dedicate this blog, and my entire organization, to the mission of conquering complexity—through simpler processes, clearer communication, and greater focus. It’s what I’ve been doing for 30 years, with my books, my workshops, and my consulting engagements, and where The Marengo Group has had its greatest success. So in a sense, I’ve worked to find my own clarity and focus as well. Let’s enjoy this journey together, and, well… let’s be clear from here on.
- Jerry
