It is very easy to spend too much time working on small problems and not enough time forecasting icebergs and scouting opportunities. In my organization, I think we sometimes spend hours debating the font size and attached clip art of a particular memo and only a few minutes discussing the content! We've even gotten bogged down on what brand of glue works best for interior miter joints. Every once in a while, it becomes necessary to close the notepad and start over with a fresh page and perspective. It's all about getting back to basics.
Simplicity in thinking is not necessarily about behaving like a simpleton. (Although some might call me this!) It is about organizing priorities in such a way that no single issue takes more of our valuable time than it should and breaking a large problem into smaller, more manageable pieces so that segments can be solved and the remaining issues challenged. And it means delegating issues to capable subordinates and giving them the opportunity and space to grow into leaders. It is too easy to get overwhelmed in the details allowing opportunities to pass by. Simplicity in thinking also means maintaining focus on the simple issues that impact our organizations and not worrying about those that we cannot alter despite our best efforts.
While I was working on a project in business school, I came up with an acronym that attempts to convey my thoughts on business leadership into a simple phrase that I repeat to myself when I begin getting overwhelmed-Get back to BASICS:
- Believe in the product, service and organization-If you don't believe in what you do, no one else will, either.
- Actions, not words-Words are what clients read. Your actions are what they remember and pass on.
- Simplicity in thinking-The keystone concept of my approach is keeping it as simple as possible! Simplicity allows for a checklist to make certain we are being thorough in our judgments.
- Initiate ideas-Be an idea generator. Create solutions to problems (both your clients and your own). Think beyond the canned response. Above all, think proactively.
- Communicate-Without communication, even simplicity becomes unruly.
- Service above all-Take better care of your customers (and your business) than your competition does.
Business leadership can't be broken down into an acronym alone. But the cleaner and more simple we make our approach, the more efficient it becomes. The more efficient an organization becomes, the more time can be spent on scouting for work or, heaven forbid, relaxing.
The current environment holds numerous challenges. I have no idea when the tide will turn or what the next big thing will be. But the message I preach over and over is timeless. Simple thinking approached with clarity and focus, a tight control of spending and a willingness to bring new tools, ideas and analytics into your organization while providing exemplary service will win in every environment. Whether winning is defined as simply staying alive or actually thriving is a point for debate. The key point here is to get back to BASICS and focus on what will make your organization successful.
