Clever impresses. Simple scales.
I’ve noticed that we’re very capable of building clever things. Detailed processes. Well-structured frameworks. Systems that make sense when you walk through them carefully. They feel intelligent. Clever solutions depend on coordination by the people who designed them. When those people are present and the process is followed, things run smoothly. When they’re not, then come the extra meetings, more documentation, and workarounds.
Simple solutions feel different. They are easier to explain. They tend to hold up when the people change. They keep working despite the imperfect handoffs.
I’ve come to think that when I’m being clever I’m really hiding the complexity, not addressing it. I do the complex thinking so others can move forward with something simple.
Clever ideas get attention. Simple ideas get adopted.