Simplify Work

About the Author

Jesse W. Newton is the founder and CEO of Simplify Work, a consultancy focused on eliminating complexity in organizations to foster innovation, productivity, and engagement. Newton's clients include major corporations like Mondelez International, McDonald’s Corporation, and PepsiCo. His work involves advising on organizational structure, cultural transformation, and developing essential skills in individuals and teams. Newton's experience and insights are encapsulated in his book Simplify Work, which provides a practical approach to reducing complexity in the workplace.

Main Idea

In Simplify Work, Jesse W. Newton addresses the escalating complexity in organizations that hampers innovation, productivity, and employee engagement. He outlines methods to identify and eliminate these complexities, advocating for a shift from 20th-century organizational practices to those suitable for the digital era. Newton emphasizes the importance of simplifying strategy, structure, and systems to unlock the full potential of employees and organizations.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Bogged Down in a Spaghetti of Structure
3. Get Clear on Purpose
4. Using Design Thinking to Simplify Work
5. Common Simplification Focal Areas
6. Stripping Out Bureaucratic Practices
7. Making Sense of Systems
8. Simplify You
9. Conclusion

Bogged Down in a Spaghetti of Structure

Organizations today are mired in complex structures, processes, and systems that stifle innovation and productivity. Newton describes this as being "bogged down in a spaghetti of structure," where unnecessary rules and procedures create inefficiencies and disengage employees. He emphasizes that simplifying these structures is crucial for organizations to remain competitive in the digital age.

"An epidemic of debilitating complexity is affecting businesses large and small. This disease restricts innovation, limits productivity, disengages the workforce, and eventually leads to organizational failure." - Jesse W. Newton

Newton advocates for a comprehensive review of organizational structures to identify and eliminate non-value-adding activities. This involves rethinking traditional hierarchical models and embracing more agile, autonomous team structures that empower employees to make decisions and execute tasks efficiently.

"So many people are stuck wasting a significant part of their day doing low value, non-core activities." - Jesse W. Newton

This inefficiency leads to slow decision-making, poor innovation, and increased costs. By simplifying work, organizations can become more nimble and responsive to market demands.

Get Clear on Purpose

A clear sense of purpose is fundamental to simplifying work. Organizations need to align their strategy, mission, and vision to remove clutter and focus on what truly matters. Newton suggests that by identifying core priorities, businesses can streamline processes and reduce unnecessary tasks.

"There has to be a clear sense of the strategy, mission, or vision so you can begin to remove the things that are cluttering the business." - Jesse W. Newton

To achieve this clarity, leaders must communicate the organization's goals effectively, ensuring that every employee understands and aligns with the strategic priorities. This alignment fosters a unified direction and enhances organizational efficiency.

"Without a clear understanding of an organization’s strategic priorities, one cannot make decisions that align with what the company needs to do to win." - Jesse W. Newton