If there is one thing that is increasing in the modern working world, this is the entropy. Which has as synonym, among other words, “complexity”. The authors of “Six Simple Rules – How to Manage Complexity Without Getting Complicated” (Yves Morieux and Peter Tollman) have embarked on a journey to do just that. And they accomplished to write a fine book.
Both seniors in the Boston Consulting Group, the authors are seasoned warriors in this “untangling the clients’ businesses” field. This might be just the smallest reason why they embarked on creating a handbook on how to efficiently manage your business from a strategic and de-complexing level. The biggest one is that they seem to be “ideas entrepreneurs” – the kind of persons who see an opportunity to improve things via a new approach or idea – and they just go for it.
And here’s how “Six Simple Rules – How to Manage Complexity Without Getting Complicated” proposes to do:

– Understand your business model and organization (how it works and what people really do, rather then their job descriptions)
– Place a market on holistic factors
– Muscle your way in (or out)
– Build relationships
– Look into the future
– Keep your friends close.
I think there is no need for me to go through why we have this book on how to reduce complexity. Just look at your linkedin or xing profile. We literally get bombed with information and our brains are designed to react quickly and inefficiently to that. As managers or leaders, we are not called to work for our quick reacting skills. We are called there to make a difference.
Sounds simple? Well, it really is, and this is why I’m recommending this book. It is not shallow and the rules are not exactly as spelled here. Still, “Six Simple Rules – How to Manage Complexity Without Getting Complicated” makes a fine job in delivering the message. And with a twist from Harvard Business Review Press, “Six Simple Rules – How to Manage Complexity Without Getting Complicated” comes with something extra – a strong body of bibliographical references and notes, which makes it even more prone to follow ups. So enjoy!