Don’t Let Complexity Stunt Your Growth

Leading, growing companies work hard at keeping things simple. They begin the process internally by making it easy for their employees to do business with each other. While some of the work you do today can be very complex in nature, a great deal remains straightforward. The trick is to use the technology and applications that you’ve invested in as tools, and not allow them to become an impediment.

Face it, if it’s hard to get things done internally, how easy could it ever be for a customer to do business with you? As technology changes and the applications you use to process work and report on your efforts becomes more complex, there remains reporting and instruction that is needed to effectively run the business. I often see the most basic process or procedure become overly complex because of concerns that are outdated, ill conceived, and no longer relevant. It’s the old “that’s the way we’ve always done it” syndrome.

In a world that moves faster and faster every day, complexity in your operation can bring things to a standstill and make growth very difficult to achieve — no matter how hard you try. Make sure that your systems and processes are designed for the work you’re doing today, with the tools you have at your disposal today. Gather your team and perform a periodic evaluation of how you currently do things. Take each process one at a time. Is the way you do things today easier and faster or slower with additional touches. Avoid using old thinking with new technology — you’ll only underutilize the potential of your new tools, frustrate your staff, and inconvenience your customers.

Remove the burdens of complexity to allow yourself to grow. Another way to say this is to get out of your own way! Remove the duct tape and banding wire that holds onto all the “workarounds” that have crept into your system. Be efficient, agile, quick, and responsive in all you do. Removing these obstacles will add velocity to the way you conduct business. Your staff will recognize it and your customers will thank you for it.

Have a clear picture of where you want to go, a map of how to get there and engage your team to make it happen. If you have any comments or thoughts as to how you’ve approached these issues, please send me a note or include them below.

Mike Philie can help validate what’s working and what may need to change in your business. Changing the trajectory of a business is difficult to do while simultaneously operating the core competencies. Mike provides strategy and insight to owners and CEOs in the Graphic Communications Industry by providing direct and realistic advice, not being afraid to voice the unpopular opinion and helping leaders navigate change through a common sense and practical approach. Learn more at www.philiegroup.com, LinkedIn or email at mphilie@philiegroup.com.