When you are starting a business, there is the temptation to throw the kitchen sink at it. We often think that more is more, but the reality is that less is more. It’s very easy to fall into the trap of overcomplicating things, which is why we need to remember the most effective strategies to stop complicating matters and simplify our approach. Here’s a number of things to bear in mind.
Embrace Technology Wisely
Technology is not there to complicate things; we need to ensure that it does simplify things. We have to choose tools that integrate well with our existing systems. An excellent example is a point-of-sale (POS) terminal.
Having the benefit of a mobile POS at your disposal can be a user-friendly solution that can align very well with simplicity in business management. It automates transaction processing, eliminates the need for multiple tools and software, and enhances the customer experience. When we choose the right type of tool, we should expect to see an abundance of positives.
Simplify Your Decision Making
It can be very easy to start thinking out loud about every single concept, but when we do this, it can muddy the waters of clear decision-making. We should always use data to inform our decision-making and establish clear criteria for the sake of transparency, but we should never shy away from delegating our decisions.
Smaller businesses can run the risk of all decisions being made by one person. Autonomy and empowerment are two sides to an absolutely essential coin. When you give your team greater choice over their decisions that affect the business, it is win-win!
Improve Your Communication
Clear and concise communication is crucial. We all fall into the trap of using jargon, but we have to recognize when we are doing this and take the time to stop and recalibrate. The fact is that so many clients willingly can’t often talk about complicated concepts, assuming that you know exactly what’s going on, but if we opt for simple language, we’re going to ensure that those relationships are stronger because we’re not using any form of cloak and dagger.
It’s quite intimidating to inquire about the terms that other people use, but it’s about being steadfast and determined to maintain transparency. When other people are using complex terms, you may very well know what they’re on about; however, if you’ve got your second-in-command with you, you don’t want them to feel in over their heads. This means that when you are welcoming others from your business into the hallowed boardroom, they are going to benefit as well.
Of course, we also need to remember the importance of open dialogue, active listening, as well as effective communication tools and channels. Ultimately, simplicity is a mindset, and we should remember that if we complicate things, we can fall into the trap of micromanagement and potentially not trusting our teams. Mindful leadership based on simplicity is tough to achieve if you’ve been used to complexity, but when you start to embody these values, you are going to encourage a culture of simplicity. We should always remember to keep things simple because it benefits everyone.
