Tackling complexity in organisations

When faced with a challenge, what’s our instinctive response?

“Let’s add something.” A new task. A new project. A new initiative.

But here's the catch: Defaulting to addition increases complexity and cost.

Untapped value often lies in subtraction—removing a step in a process, canceling a recurring meeting, or simplifying a workflow.

How do we shift our mindset and unearth value by doing less?

Here are 4 practical ways to build and promote a subtraction mindset:

1. Simple subtraction rules

E.g., No more meeting participants than can be fed by two pizzas

Limit meetings to 25 or 50 minutes instead of 30 or 60

Cancel any project whose owner can’t clearly tie it to strategy (unless they are crucial for legal compliance)

Set the rules—watch clarity and focus improve.

2. Subtraction specialists

Empower individuals or teams to keep things simple, cost-effective, and aligned. Give them the authority to subtract or add.

3. Subtraction rituals

Create meaningful, repeatable actions that mark the end of outdated practices—rituals that reinforce lasting change.

4. Subtraction games

Invite teams to identify what's slowing their work. Share, select one or more pain points, and co-create a plan to remove them.

How are you removing friction in your work or organization?

Less is more - substration provides often an untapped potential

Inspired by Robert Sutton and Huggy Rao’s brilliant book The Friction Project.