I’m an advocate for uncovering nuance and recognizing complexity.
Real solutions rarely come in the form of sound bites. Real solutions take digging in, uncovering the complexity, and taking it on.
But also, simpler is better.
Simpler means easily understood, easy to use, and easy to see the benefits. Simpler means you’ll find yourself thinking, “Oh yeah, that makes sense.”
Simpler doesn’t have to mean hyperbolic or black and white. Simpler doesn’t have to mean dumber. Simpler doesn’t have to mean everyone agrees. Simpler doesn’t have to mean easy to implement (although bonus points if it is).
So, how do we fix systems?
First, we must agree on what “fixed” means because often, one person’s idea of a fix is another’s idea of a break. There’s hard work required to agree on the desired outcome.
Second, we must recognize the variables over which we have influence. Rarely is the problem domain a blank sheet of paper. There is always a box. There’s hard work required to understand the size and boundaries of the box.
Third, we must understand the emotional risk required to change. Status. Blame. Win. Lose. Scarcity. Predictability. Known unknowns. Unknown unknowns. Inertia. There’s hard work required to understand the emotional risk required to change.
Fourth, we must be willing to work.
Simpler usually requires more work, not less.
