THE KISS PRINCIPLE

Welcome to my next newsletter. I thank you in advance for reading and please feel free to share this with anyone who you believe will enjoy.

Research shows that 95% of people do not use 80% of the features on their DVD recorders at home because they find the instructions and DVD players too complicated.

Other examples… are of people not being able to use cameras, kitchen appliances and machines to their maximum effect based on the fact they found the instructions too difficult to interpret and understand. Bearing in mind that most instructions are written by those very familiar with the system and not for the average layman who often doesn’t have a clue where to start.

Here’s a thought – have you ever seen a road sign that reads:

In a nutshell – Keep it Simple Stupid! Or if that definition offends - Keep it Simple and Short! Keep it Short and Sweet! Keep it Super Simple – whatever you prefer however I’m sure you get the point.

Often traditional ways of doing things are more complex and take longer. However sometimes finding a simpler way is not always easy. What is interesting is that there is no natural evolution towards simplicity because things generally become more complicated with additional features and advanced technology. Even filling in some forms today has become complicated!

1. Get rid of the clutter :-
   This can apply to things and stuff that we hoard and never use. Old clothes, things stacked in the garage, old magazines and papers, a desk that is groaning under masses of paper, a full inbox... the list is long. Quite simply getting rid of anything you don’t use not only simplifies but also impacts on your attitude in a more positive way. Just implementing a system to organise your paper and emails has a hugely beneficial effect. Having a good spring clean also gives one the opportunity to give back to a charity or a person in need and this in turn creates a feel good factor.
   
   
2. Simplify your communication:-
   Watch the jargon. Give clear simple instructions; learn how to delegate more effectively if you are a manager. Ask the ‘What’ question instead of the ‘Why’ question - you will get more specific answers and open the lines of communication. For example, rather than ask ‘Why were you late?’ ask ‘What was the reason you were late?’
   
   Remember too that communication is always understood in the context of the receiver no matter what the intention of the communication.
   
   When communication goes awry, we get frustrated and angry – when we simplify things become so much clearer and more effective.
   
   "Great Leaders are almost always great simplifiers who can cut through argument, debate and doubt to offer a solution everyone can understand." - Michael Korda
   
   
3. Stop Procrastinating:-
   So often we procrastinate small things that then become big things. What are you putting off right now? That dentist appointment, dealing with a conflict situation, something that needs fixing, a phone call….. all of which may seem trivial and perhaps even irritating at the moment. However if dealt with now the task may be fairly simple – leave it and it can become more complicated and often costly.
   
   "Procrastination is a like a credit card – it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill." - Christopher Parker
   
   
4. Worn-out Relationships:-
   This may sound harsh however sometimes we have to terminate toxic worn-out and negative relationships in our lives. So often we hold onto these in the hope something may change or because we feel guilty or perhaps we don’t want to hurt the other person. However cleansing ourselves of these relationships really does simplify our lives and brings very often a feeling of release and relief.
   
   
5. Challenge:-
   We are often too ready just to accept the first solution or furthermore accept the status quo. In fact sometimes the easiest way for someone to be superior is to pretend to understand what others cannot understand…and for that you need complexity! Simplifying requires creativity, shedding, trimming, pruning, and restructuring….
   
   "The challenge process is part of lateral thinking. It is a very simple process but like all simple processes, some people find it difficult to use." - Edward de Bono
   
   

• A positive attitude
• More effective and open communication
• Less stuff – better quality
• Greater productivity
• More free time
• Less frustration
• Better and more effective relationships both personally & professionally
• ......and many more!