Craving complexity?

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In startups, there's an overwhelming pressure to "grow up fast.” Leaders feel compelled to implement complex systems, adopt elaborate frameworks, and roll out comprehensive programs that mirror those of industry giants. After all, isn't that what successful companies do?

Not so fast.

Embracing simplicity is key to effective leadership and sustainable growth.

Addicted to Addition

A few years ago, I worked with a rapidly growing startup. Excited by their success and eager to "professionalize," they implemented a comprehensive, multi-step process with numerous ratings, 360-degree feedback, and complex calibrations.

The result? Confusion, frustration, and countless hours spent on admin rather than actual performance improvement. Managers were overwhelmed, employees were anxious, and the leadership team was drowning in data they didn't know how to use effectively.

Compare this situation to another client that simply started with three questions: What did you accomplish? What did you learn? What do you want to focus on next? 

This straightforward process sparked meaningful conversations, aligned expectations, and actually drove performance improvements.

I've seen this pattern play out in decision-making processes, learning and development initiatives, communication strategies, and more. 

And I get why—as organizations grow more complex, there's a tendency to believe that processes and programs should follow suit. We often cling to legacy systems, continuously adding without removing outdated elements. CEO of FutureThink Lisa Bodell aptly calls this an "addiction to addition."

The Allure of Complexity

This "addiction" can be hard to spot when you're in the thick of it. It’s easy to be seduced by complexity as it masquerades as elite, bespoke, sophisticated when it’s often just red tape.

Therein lies the trap! To escape, look at your new process or system through these three lenses: 

• Can people understand it easily?

• Can it be implemented efficiently? 

• Can you justify the implementation costs (in time and money) with its benefits? 

By routinely applying these questions, you can cut through the complexity fog and keep your organization agile and efficient. 

But Jess, the problem is complicated!

I hear you. Market dynamics, team dynamics, product development—none of these are simple puzzles to solve. And some complexity is necessary. What I’m cautioning against is the insidious kind that sucks time and energy, giving nothing in return. 

This kind of complexity suffocates creativity, efficiency, and progress. Mitigating complexity should be a top priority for the C-suite. 

So when complexity rears its head and slows progress, here’s a trick inspired by my past life in engineering: use a black box approach. 

This is how we'd distill a complex component to its essential inputs and outputs. Everything else? Hidden away in the "black box." 

This approach isn't about ignoring complexity—it's about managing it; directing attention to the core of what matters.

Take decision-making, for instance. A client CEO was paralyzed by a complicated problem. The market analysis was intricate, the executive team and board members were not aligned, and the potential outcomes seemed endless.

Instead of diving deeper into complexity, we took a step back. We identified the minimum viable criteria: the three most critical factors influencing the decision. We clarified who ultimately needed to make the call and by when. Suddenly, a decision that had been stalled for months moved forward in a matter of days.

The problem’s complexity didn't disappear—but simplifying the approach minimized the noise, magnified the main signal, and they made progress.

Where the black box approach fails, here are three strategies to consider: 

• Subtract–Kill unnecessary elements, rules, and processes. 

  • Incentivize and reward employees for identifying unnecessary work and simplifying processes. 

  • Periodically blow up the Calendar: wipe the slate clean of useless meetings and rebuild the most important from scratch.

  • Start a “Cut the Crap” or “Bureaucracy Busters” initiative to find and get rid of the unnecessary waste.

• Start small—Find the minimal viable version.

  • For an initial learning program, begin with a targeted set of skills to address and a curated list of relevant books and podcasts. 

  • When building a board deck, don’t throw in a bunch of data to start; home in on the key takeaways first.  

  • If you can't workout for an hour, start with just 5 minutes. 

• Return to first principles—Go back to fundamental truths to guide decisions. 

  • Instead of overhauling your entire compensation structure, align pay with your most critical business objectives. 

  • When wandering through stakeholder mayhem, step back and map out who really has influence in the outcome or decision. 

  • If a leader swoops and poops, revisit their intentions and the ultimate outcomes for the project.

More Info

“Why Simple Wins” By Lisa Bodell

“Essentialism" by Greg McKeown

Ready to simplify your leadership approach and regain clarity amid the chaos? Schedule a free discovery session today to unlock your potential and accelerate your leadership journey. 

Keep reading, keep leading,

Jess

Thank you for subscribing! If you found this valuable, please share it with a friend or colleague who might find it useful, too.

For more, follow me on LinkedIn or check out my website.

I’m Jess Yuen, a trusted advisor and executive coach for fast-changing companies. Interested in finding out how I can support you in your journey? Contact me here to find out more.  

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