Last time you looked at some simple techniques or systems that you can use to make complex problems or projects simple. Now you can check out some familiar examples of how you can apply these processes in daily life – work or play. And always remember that IT makes life SIMPLE for people.
Translate IT
At Work
When you are crafting an email loaded with technical jargon, remember that not everyone is as knowledgeable and crafty as you are. Say what you need to in the simplest way possible. Remember that emails are either instructional or informative. If you want people to follow instructions or understand your information, use simple language.
At Play
Outside of the office, the same rule applies. Don’t leave your instructions or information open to misinterpretation. That WhatsApp message must be clear. If a friend is hours late for a meetup or doesn’t appear at all, don’t be too quick to point a finger. Check the instructions you gave. Were you clear about the where and when? Remember that simple instruction is understandable. Language doesn’t need to be more complex than it already is.
Break IT Up
At Work
Imagine that you’ve got to budget for 12 months. Not a problem – break the budget into 12 bitesize pieces. You’ll simplify the entire budgeting process by doing one month at a time. Needless to say, you’ll have simplified a complex process.
At Play
Moving home and don’t know where to start? Easy one. Pack one room at a time and label each box clearly. The same applies at the other end. Unpack one room at a time. Packing and unpacking are as simple as you choose to make them.
List IT
At Work
Pleased with your performance, your boss has just given you a promotion. With the increase in salary comes an increase in responsibility. Plus, there are many aspects to the new job that you don’t understand. Don’t feel overwhelmed. List the things that are confusing and ask for help. The list you make and the help you get will simplify things no end.
At Play
You decide to do a home garden project growing fruits and vegetables. But which fruit and which vegetables? What is the size of the plot you need? What about irrigation? Fear not. List what you can do and seek help for what is difficult. Listing all aspects of the project will simplify your garden project and make it fun and worthwhile.
IT has a Big Picture
At Work
You need to create a new workflow that consists of many inputs and many outputs. It seems like there are too many of each. Don’t despair. Work out what the main objective of the workflow is. Knowing that you can design the workflow so that there is complete synergy between inputs and outputs. Seeing the big picture simplifies any workflow.
At Play
You go into the bathroom and see that one of your kids has left a pile of clothing on the floor. What a pigsty, you think. If you saw the bigger picture, besides the insignificant mound on the floor, the bathroom is actually neat and tidy. Simple.
Map IT
At Work
You are explaining the structure of the company’s IT network to a group of colleagues. After yammering on for 20 minutes, everybody still looks clueless. The solution. Go to the whiteboard and draw. Mapping your IT network was never made simpler.
At Play
You’ve ordered three paintings that will be hung when delivered. Instead of giving the delivery guys a set of verbal instructions, present them with a drawing or two including measurements. They can see and do. Hanging and fitting made simple.
Eat IT
At Work
Your boss would like you to learn Adobe Creative Suite. After working on Acrobat, Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and Story for two days solid, you’re ready to find the nearest tall building. Not a solution. Remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Learn new applications one step at a time. That way, you’ll master the software at your own pace. You’ll be happy and so will your boss. What could be simpler?
At Play
You’ve invited 20 guests for a Christmas Eve feast. Hors d’oeuvres to prepare, then soup, then fish, then mains, and finally dessert. Also, don’t forget the vegetarian and vegan options. Maybe you should cancel. I think not. Start with the easy dishes. Take one step at a time. Order out if you need to. Christmas shouldn’t be a stress. Christmas should be simple.
Delegate IT
At Work
You are a perfectionist and like things to be done efficiently and effectively. But your working day isn’t 20 hours long. So, the only way to prevent that impending nervous breakdown from overwork is to draw on the help and support of teammates. There’s nothing wrong with delegating. Entrust your colleagues with your precious tasks. Rely on them to get your work done. It’s that simple.
At Play
This is easy if you’ve got a spouse and/or kids. Get them to do everything. Dishes, washing, cleaning, dusting – whatever menial, torturous task springs to mind. Living the easy life. What could be simpler?
