Simplicity.

Simplicity is a word for all seasons, it means different things to different people and sometimes the same thing but at different times.

Edward De Bono talks of the possibilities inherent in making simplicity an end in and of itself. In other words a value that we seek as the end result not always the means to achieving that desired result.

This approach has its strengths as it demands that people look to simplify and don’t simply acquiesce by claiming the existing status quo works anyway. It demands a level of creativity above that used by most people in everyday life.

In fact, De Bono goes as far as to say, “Hunters are usually given specific seasons in which to hunt. Hunters for simpler ideas may benefit from the focus of a specific ‘thinking’ season”.

This idea may not be so far fetched in fact the approach of delineating in season and out of season can regenerate people and define a focus when a scattergun approach of simply ‘improving things’ can induce lethargy in even the most dedicated of employees or disciples.

Having a week of going all out in a search for the holy grail of simplicity could bring some fresh blood into the thinking game.

It may even produce results in the thinking process itself never mind the end results.

Every idea for simplification does not have to be followed through, in fact most will be downright harebrained but will in turn stimulate new thinking direction and could even result in reinforced appreciation for what already exists.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it applies here. But testing different theories and hypotheses and speculating on the possibilities and potential could benefit any team, organization, individual or lone inventor operating in the margins.

Simply cutting off excess or dead wood is rejuvenating but it takes focus as well as a certain ruthlessness.

Just Ideas.