This Q&A Simplifies Your Workday

A Deloitte study has found that people spend 41% of their time on work that doesn’t increase productivity or provide personal satisfaction for them. As a CEO and simplification expert, I’ve seen these symptoms of complexity creep into organizations of all sizes. An effective technique I’ve used with clients like Novartis, Google and HBO requires nothing more than eight questions and a willingness to simplify.

If you’re in a leadership position, answer the below questions with your team/s. If not, choose questions that focus on work areas that you’re able to simplify on your own.

1. Which redundancies can I/we eliminate from this workflow or work process?

2. What could I/we remove to shorten this document or presentation to one page?

3. What jargon can I/we eliminate from this document or presentation?

4. Can I/we clearly explain this to people outside this org or industry? If not, what can be changed to accomplish this?

5. Can I/we create a template for this task or process for others to use?

6. If significant training is needed to learn this process, what can I/we change so less or no training is required?

7. Can other stakeholders access information about this task, program or project in real time? If not, what can I/we modify so they have access?

8. What are three ways to make it easier for customers, colleagues and partners to work with me/us?

Streamlining at least one task, program or project today is your starting point towards a simpler, more productive workday. By prioritizing simplicity — even if it’s in bite-size steps — you and your teams can begin working more efficiently (and meaningfully).