| The very positive landscape that we described in the first chapter is clouded by a significant threat to progress—the threat of complexity. Complexity threatens to overwhelming our workplaces and our society. The reality in which we are living at the beginning of the third millennium is characterized by a drastic rise in complexity, which has caused rapid changes in corporate and human behavior. Complexity is an inherently subjective concept; what is considered complex depends on the point of view of a given individual or organization. When we term something complex, what we are doing is using everyday language to express a feeling or impression that we dignify with the label complex. Every time a decision is made to significantly change an aspect of your business, you are starting a new battle between complexity and simplicity. This battle is fought on many fronts, and most of the time complexity wins. The first front is the analytical one, of which financial justification is the major part. Complexity usually sneaks across this front unseen. The cost of complexity is hard to quantify, so it is generally not considered. "Clarity" is one of those rare words in the English language that is so basic, so fundamental, that it virtually defines itself. We know when we have clarity, but it can be very elusive. More importantly, it is something we need—in our lives and our businesses—if we wish to move forward. It is critical to have clarity. Questions in business need to be asked routinely, such as "Is there a more simple way?" and "What will the impact of this decision be on the business in terms of added complexity?" Simplicity won't always win the war against complexity. However, it has a much better chance of doing so if you take the first step and make the commitment to simplicity as a value. One small step for you, one giant step for your business. There are numerous examples in our public, organizational, and private lives that illustrate the urgent need to create awareness of this critical problem and to seek clarity and, ultimately, simpler processes. |
