A complex problem cannot be simplified. If you can simplify it, then it isn’t a complex problem. You may choose to focus energy on a key leverage point, or establish one or more enabling constraints. To make progress, you may choose to selectively ignore things, blur your vision, or think in broad strokes. These approaches will reduce cognitive load and will feel
This is great, as always, John.
What this leaves unsaid, though, is how to avoid inadvertently simplifying, by simply forgetting about what you're not focusing on.
In fact, I'd say it's the way you relate to / preserve what you choose to ignore that determines whether you're adapting a complex posture.
What strategies have you seen people adopt on your travels in order to preserve
- rejected hypotheses
- de-prioritised objectives
- non-core personas
?
This is just word play with the meaning of simplify
Rumelt’s new book, The Crux, seems to be a book-length exploration of what you said in an article :)
I’ve only just started it though - I bet there’s plenty of good in there
Your opening “A complex problem cannot be simplified.” startled me. My immediate reaction was: “How do you know if a problem is actually complex?”
I often see people missing opportunities to dig into the core of the problem by which it (and possible solutions) could be simplified.
I’d be interested on your take on this!