The Next Level

Rob Opie is a Brand Strategist, Author and 'Game Changer' to organizations, sports teams and individuals

We all have all inner desire to reach 'the next level' of performance, growth and contribution .No matter what profession one may choose in life, definite patterns of human greatness exist. In his weekly 'Game Changer Column', Rob shares some of the insights, innovation and inspiration of the great champions of business, sport and life.

Game Changer Number Twelve: 'Simplicity beats Complexity'

From finance to the latest growing trend of functional foods, professionals and marketers like to keep things complex in the belief that herein lies the road to greater margin - greater profits. Yes, this may well be true in the short term, but is it sustainable?

No, because someone great will change the way things get done. Take Uber for example. Making things more convenient - simpler - Saving you time. Saving you effort. Saving you money.

In the United States, Tony Robbins - who has become "The CEO Whisperer," is able to charge millions of dollars for his services because he has a unique ability to help CEOs.

"To deconstruct complexity - and simplify highly complex subjects "

He says that complexity is the enemy of execution. And he's right. Recently we have seen the phenomenal and sustained growth of Capitec Bank who made small loans simpler - empowering many more people to access finance in a historically complex industry. Their model has changed the way things get done. Their marketing slogan wisely latching on to what Leonardo da Vinci said many years back:

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."

Ralph Waldo Emerson put it as follows: "Nothing is simpler than greatness, indeed, to be simple is to be great."

Yet, in reality - often the very opposite happens. Teams go away on "Bos-beraads" and return with added complexity to the business - complexity breeding complexity. Game Plans begin to cram up with all "the wrong stuff," and the road from 'Good to Great to Greater' starts to resemble what looks like the Dakar Rally - of ups and downs .

Complexity often drives dis-engagement. And unity remains a distant dream

Great CEO's, are those who can appreciate the complexity of things and go on to distil what they hear into simple focused strategy - establishing clear priority pillars for the business - it's called "The Right Stuff ".

To be clear and simple in thought and deed, to give direct and uncomplicated instructions, to take the shortest route to the finish line, to use five words when everyone else uses 50: these are all things that make for great. Focus, in other words, simplicity, becomes one's productivity multiplier. Beware when complexity creeps into your professional and / or personal game plan for life.

"Simple can be harder than complex: You have to work hard to get your thinking clean to make it simple. But it's worth it in the end because once you get there; you can move mountains." - Steve Jobs

* For more insight, innovation and inspiration please visit https://www.thegameplan.co.za

Rob can be contacted at robopie@thegameplan.co.za.