http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/index.html Archive of articles published in our free Simply Put (formerly Seeking Clarity) monthly newsletter. Articles to help you make management easier. en-us Copyright 2002-2006 David Brewster http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue12vol6.htm “I am constantly amazed at how stupid I was two weeks ago.” This is a wonderful comment on lifelong learning from American consultant and writer Alan Weiss. It holds a lot of truth. It is incredible how even a small experience or lesson can make our world look quite different from what it did only yesterday. http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue11vol6.htm When my nine-year-old daughter grows up, she wants to be a teacher, scientist, inventor, musician and waitress. All at once. Her ambitions fit neatly with her place in what Edward de Bono calls the age of "Why not?". It's a wonderful 'no-holds-barred', anything-goes outlook on life. It's a pity that it probably won't last. http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue10vol6.htm I made my move two years ago. At the time I didn't tell many people. I didn't want to be embarrassed if it didn't work out. I didn't want people saying, "I told you so". But now, two years on, it's time I told you about my shift. http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue9vol6.htm It all started well for Russell. Like a growing number of busy 21st century managers, he wanted more balance. He counted himself lucky when he and his wife worked out they could afford him to cut back to four days a week. His own manager, although hesitant, opted to support him rather than risk losing years of knowledge and experience. http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue8vol6.htm Ever wondered why it takes you so long to find the information you need on your corporate computer system? That's if you can find it at all. Did you know that the tooth fairy could be partly to blame? http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue7vol6.htm Simplicity is over-rated. At least that’s what a leading thinker on product design, Don Norman, wrote last month. He went further, saying “simplicity is a myth whose time has past [sic]”. So are those of us who believe in simplicity kidding ourselves? Is it worth pursuing or a waste of time and energy? http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue6vol6.htm Just as the car crested a hill it stopped. The engine went silent and the car just coasted. Thinking quickly, Simon managed to steer onto the shoulder of the road before he came to a complete halt. It was only then that he noticed the needle of the fuel gauge resting comfortably at its lowest position. http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue5vol6.htm They're flowing thick and fast now. Here in my home state we're a few days away from an election and the commitments, outcomes, values and enhancements are multiplying like rabbits in spring. Words like these thrive in the lush fields of politics and corporate life. Problem is, they are also starting to hop into uncharted territory. http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue4vol6.htm Every time I ask managers to tell me what makes their lives more complicated, the list seems to get longer. A favourite current gripe is the burden of regulation. Many managers are stuck in a quagmire of rules, regulations and report-writing imposed by both government and the corporate head office. How to cope? http://www.businesssimplification.com.au/for_free/articles/issue3vol6.htm He achieved more in his life than most of us would if we were given twice the time. He built a following that most politicians can only dream of. He was as recognisable as the most prominent Hollywood actor. And, for me, he was a poster-child of simplicity with lessons for all of us. He was Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter.