Gist

• The simpler a task is the more likely the task will get done correctly
• The more complex a task is the less likely it will get done correctly

Challenges

• It sounds obvious, therefore, very often this rule is ignored
• How do you know a task is simple as opposed to being complex? These questions usually help,
  • Skill – Can the task be done by an Advanced Beginner or does it require and Expert?
  • Duration – Will the task take a long time?
  • Domain – Does the task expand beyond multiple disciplines / dimensions of knowledge?
  • Management – How many people are required?

Note to Self

• If you think this is too obvious and take this rule for granted, then you probably deal in too much complexity
• There is always room to simplify

Source

Dept of Motivation

The Gist

• Setting expectations with others is one of the most effective tools of getting things done,
• These do not need to be inflexible, as
• They represent points of reference,
• Help create an agreement between individuals, an
• Bring balance to relationships.

These can be used in may types of agreements.

• Timelines
• Actions
• Effort / Scope of Work

Why does this matter

Failing to set proper expectations, or any kind of expectations results in frictions with others. Therefore, in the workplace, they are essential.

In personal relationships, expectations are mostly implicit, and not every expectation needs to be made explicit, but some can definitely benefit from naming these out.

Setting effective expectations

Setting expectations is a habit, and setting effective expectations requires deliberate practice.

It is one of the hardest skills any leader or partner

It is probably one of the hardest skills to cultivate.

The Gist

• Effectiveness and Efficiency are two different things
• Efficiency is to accomplish a task with minimal use of energy
• Effectively is to accomplish the right task

Why is this important

It is better to accomplish the right task slowly, than to accomplish the wrong task quickly.

‘Truly fast, repeatable actions must be smooth, but you cannot perform a smooth action fast if you cannot first perform a slow action smoothly.’

Peter Stecher

The Gist

• Focus is the most important requirement in achieving anything
• Only those things we focus on have a chance of getting done. The inverse is also true, whatever we don’t focus on has a lower chance of getting done

Why does this matter

If you want to achieve a goal, then deliberate and relentless attention is required.

Quotes

“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.”

Paulo Coelho

“If you can not measure it, you can not improve it.”, “To measure, is to know”

Lord Kelvin

Describes the evolution of uncertainty as a project or task moves forward

Gist

In the beginning of a complex project, it is very difficult to estimate the level of effort it will take to complete it.

At this point in the project there are many unknowns that will influence the amount of work needed to complete the project.

As the project progresses, the uncertainties become known, and therefore, more predictable, making it easier to estimate.

Takeaways

Break the complex project into smaller projects.

For example, break the complex project into two:

1. The known part of the project
2. The unknown part of the project

Then estimate the known part of the project.

It is likely that by the end of the known part of the project, the unknown part of the project will become apparent.

Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion

Gist

Work is like a gas. A gas expands to fit the volume of its container. If there is no container, it keeps expanding.

In the same manner, work expands indefinitely.

Takeaway

There will never be enough time to complete any work. It can go on indefinitely.

Therefore, in order to have time for other things outside of work, it has to be time-boxed,

Time-boxing

1. Limit the time to do a task
2. Limit the scope
3. Or Both

Gist

The rule of nature that describes disproportionate relationships.

Officially, 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.

What is the minimum amount of effort that will bring the maximum results.

This applies to almost everything in nature.

Take aways

• First focus on the 20% of tasks that are going to bring 80% of the value. Also known as the the “low hanging fruits”.
• Don’t get hanged up on the numbers, ie. 80/20. They vary by case study.

Gist

Every team relationship between two or more individuals goes through these stages:

Forming

• Team Relationship is made, teams are formed
• People learn about each other
• Strengths and Weaknesses are understood
• Usually, individuals want to get along, and therefore, there are no dramas
• Productivity increases slowly, but improves over time

Storming

• Turbulent period and quite stressful
• Patience runs out
• Individuals start challenging each other
• Some relationships are ended, people get fired
• Productivity sometimes halts or reverses

Norming

• Relationships normalise
• Individuals start acting as a team
• Risky times, as individuals fall into routines
• Productivity improves again

Performing

• The holy grail of teams productivity
• Teams members are able to anticipate each other
• Productivity is highest

Take aways

• Be patient and steady during the Storming phase
• During the Norming phase, there is a big risk to revert back to Storming or even to Forming if new people need to join the team
• Not guaranteed teams will ever reach the Performing phase
• To get to the Performing level teams must apply a deliberate effort and hold a coherent dream

How People Learn

I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.

– Confucius

Gist

People generally remember:

• 10% of what they read
• 20% of what they hear
• 30% of what they see
• 50% of what they see and hear
• 70% of what they write and say
• 90% of what they say as they do

Take aways

• Embed as many senses as possible into the learning process
• Learn to Teach what is being learned

Sources

• Edgar Dale – Creator of the “Cone of Experience” concept
• The cone