Less is better

The best smorgasbords are those with the most variety, increasing the number and variety of dishes improves the consumer's perception of the offering. While more is better when it comes to smorgasbords, this is not the case with respect to politics or business initiatives: schemes, ideas, plans, proposals, programs, laws, legislation, etc.

Well-meaning legislators across the globe continue to propose and pass laws that over complicate the ability for citizens to live and conduct business every day. Much of modern legislation focuses on changing behaviour vs. outcome; a prime example would be that of the former New York mayor wanting to ban the sale of large soft drinks in an attempt to reduce obesity. Contrary to popular belief and victim thinking, obesity is not due to large soft drinks or any particular food but rather personal choice – period. A more beneficial approach to the problem of obesity would be to make those who are obese pay more for health care according to their BMI index, this is moving from behaviour (how) to result (what). Warning: since the last statement will probably offend some, please read this first.
 
Most organizations fall into this same trap thinking that more initiatives, programs, process will improve results. This overcomplicates the business, teams become overwhelmed with busy work and results decline. The legislators (managers) push harder on enforcing their pet laws (programs) on how to do stuff, but it is like trying to push a wet rope uphill. 
 
The good news is that it is very simple to determine how many initiatives are enough, to find the sweet spot or top of the inverted bell curve, ready for this . . . it is very profound: you get results! Therefore if your new initiative does not improve results – throw it away, put it on the stop doing list. Unfortunately, this does not usually happen, someone spent time and energy on that scheme and we don't want to hurt their feelings, do we? 
 
If the obese are not getting thinner, your attempt at legislation didn't work, focus on the result and the individual will find a way to get there that best suits them.

Tell the people what to do and not how to do it and let them surprise you with their ingenuity; G.S. Patton.

Less is better

Technology Addictions

Imagine if we could bring someone from the past, say . . . 200 years ago, into the present day. Consider just the ability to communicate today compared to the year 1812. The capability to know in mere seconds the answer to any question and news from anywhere on the planet from a device that fits in the palm of the hand. It would be difficult, perhaps impossible for them to comprehend. Now give them a job in a modern work environment — disaster. This would however, make for a great movie.

The work environment has become overwhelmingly complex. Some of it is necessary and beneficial, but most of it is counterproductive. Consider the deception of multi-tasking that provides people with the false sense of belief that they can accomplish more by doing more activities at once. It is a lie. See here for more explanation.
The modern trend of multitasking is largely a result of technology; I can pretend to carry on a conversation with you while texting both my kids and my wife, read email while driving my car with at least one hand and listen to Meagan (the lady in my GPS who is always patient with me) guide me to my destination. The fact is that I am not doing any of these things well (most have negative consequences . . . to not doing them well).

We plan less effectively, communicate less succinctly, and listen less attentively because of technology. What would we do if it [communication technology] suddenly disappeared? What if we considered a "fast" of sorts ─ some restriction ─ on the use of technology and everything that gives us the false perception that we can do more by doing many things simultaneously.
Imagine how the following would make everyone in your organization more productive:

• You can only work 40 hours per week, but your compensation depends on results; use your time wisely.
• You can only send 10 emails per day ─ no exceptions ─ choose your words wisely.
• You can only spend 2 hours per week in meetings ─ make sure your objectives for meetings are clear.
• You can only talk on your phone with a blind fold on . . . radical yes, but think what behaviours would change.

There should be a purposeful and continuous goal to hold technology in the place of a help vs. the master. There era of carbon paper did have some advantages.

Technology Addictions

Time to Think

Recently, I missed doing something that is obvious and has always been second nature to me. Upon reflection considering how I could overlook this simple but important detail, it was immediately apparent – too busy! Too many priorities, emails, initiatives, problems, phone calls and meetings. Have you ever found yourself happy for the night only because you know the rest of your world is not at work and likely won't call or send an email?

The only reason I was able to identify the problem — slap myself in the face to get out of the hypnotic state of executing busy work — was that I reflected. I took some time, if only a brief moment, to think. Leaders must set aside time to think. This is not a suggestion of a good idea, it's mandatory and failure to do so will stagnate all upward progress – you will merely be a manager of other's initiatives and requests. And, sorry to be the one to break it to you — if this represents your life — they can pay someone a lot less money to do what you are doing.

Rags-to-riches millionaire and philanthropist Peter Daniels has created successful ventures around the world. In The Power of Focus, authors Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Les Hewitt write, "When asked what turned his life from triple indebtedness to unprecedented success, he (Peter Daniels) replied, 'I scheduled time to think. In fact, I reserve one day a week on my calendar just to think. All of my greatest ideas, opportunities and money-making ventures started with the days I took off to think.'" http://www.make-it-fly.com/ar-0606.htm

 The first step toward providing regular time to think is to give yourself permission: it is ok not to fill up your entire day – it is ok to schedule time that has no tangible or measurable activity other than to spend time pondering, reflecting, brainstorming and dreaming.
The next challenge is to eliminate all distractions . . . perhaps this is why some of my best thinking is done while in the shower. Watch now someone will come up with a waterproof Blackberry.

Time to Think