One of the greatest (and mysterious) compliments I’ve ever received was from a teacher of mine, more than thirty years ago, who said he thought I had an “intelligence for simplicity.” I’ve been chewing on those words ever since, with both some pride and curiosity.

Lately, in the work I've been doing within organizations, I see the need for both intelligence and simplicity, in how people work together. People are complicated; organizations are complex. The environment of business is changing and mysterious.

A great question to ask yourself is: What is your vision for how you would like your business or organization to function? How can you simplify your business and your life?

In thinking about how to work with intelligence and simplicity, here are a few ideas that come to me about organizational life

- It is clear that each person, and the organization is doing something important, something that matters, something that makes a difference.

- Each person is growing, stretching, learning – reducing what is extra and unnecessary.

- Teamwork is valued; there is intelligence and creativity in working together.

- Everyone knows the organization’s vision and is working toward fulfilling it.

- Appreciation is openly expressed. Doubts and concerns are openly discussed. There are few sacred cows or undiscussable subject.

- Innovation comes from all parts of the organization.

In what ways does this describe your organization? How do you know? What are the gaps and what are the actions that you might take to bring your organization more into alignment with these principles?