The Creative Problem Solver

xi.

Solve something simpler

‘Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.’

LEONARDO DA VINCI

In business we’re always being told to raise our sights. To aim higher. To achieve more. To go further.

But what if – sometimes – we don’t set our sights so high? What if – occasionally – we settle for second best? What if – once in a while – we achieve a bit less? Do ‘just enough’ and no more?

It’s a bit like the Pareto Principle – the 80/20 rule. It may be that solving a simpler problem, with a cheaper, quicker, easier solution (one that requires just 20 per cent of the effort) still gives us 80 per cent of the advantage. And 80 per cent is a pretty good score. At school, 80 per cent is usually an A. At university, it’s a First. And in business, it might ...