Simply Effective: How to Cut Through Complexity in Your Organization and Get Things Done

by Ron Ashkenas

The level of complexity in most organizations today is staggering-and it's only getting worse. There are so many choices to be made, people to involve, processes to manage, and facts to analyze, it's impossible to get things done. And in today's hypercompetitive world, that can be fatal.

Yet complexity doesn't happen on its own. Managers unwittingly create it, often through well-intended decisions. In Simply Effective, Ron Ashkenas provides a playbook for regaining control, focused on the four major causes of complexity:

-Constant changes in organizational structures
-Proliferation of products and services
-Evolution of business processes
-Time-wasting managerial behaviors

The author provides a diagnostic for identifying how these causes of complexity are affecting your organization-and presents practical tactics for combating each one.

Ashkenas also explains how to craft a strategy that will make simplification an ongoing driver of your company's success-no matter where you work in your organization. Abundant examples from companies like ConAgra Foods, GE, Cisco, Zurich Financial Services, and Johnson & Johnson illuminate his points.

A crucial resource in today's overly complex age, Simply Effective should be required reading for everyone on your management team.

Genres: Business, Management, Leadership

240 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Internationally recognized consultant and speaker on organizational transformation, post-merger integration, and simplification

Reviews

[Захарченко Віктор]

И вот значит затеяли вы стартап. И все у вас идет единым порывом - с коллегами чуть ли не браться, работа спорится, бизнес растет. И вот когда нужно из коротких шатнишек вырастать, начинаются проблемы. Рон Ашкеназ очень четко определяет основные источники организационных проблем, особое внимание уделяя "благим намерениям" руководства. Очень уместно здесь будет упомянуть авторов Rework, призывающих до последнего оставаться "маленькими". Книга рекомендуется к прочтению всем, кто дожил до момента масштабирования своего бизнеса.

[Benjamin]

Simply Effective is another Harvard Business Press book I purchased and read recently. The case studies were engaging. It was worth reading just to read about GE and "Work Out." Main lesson to take away from this is that people unconsciously make things more complex and if they can acknowledge that, they can consciously chose to make things easier for themselves. Simplicity only needs your action to be achieved.

[Juraj Púchlo]

Na prvé prelistovovanie je to kniha z „praveku“ riadenia firiem, kedy manažéri objavovali KISS, kaizen, Work-Out alebo Six Sigma. Pravdepodobne najprínosnejšie sú v knihe dotazníky a slušný prehľad rôznych metód a pomôcok zjednodušovania (presnejšie zefektívňovania – simply effective). Boli to časy, kedy kancelária budúcnosti mala vyzerať tak, že podružné práce pošlete z USA do Indie a tam to za vás vyriešia v noci. Ráno máte hotovo. Autor by dnes mohol zjednodušiť samotnú knihu. Asi tak o polovicu strán.

[Lilly Willson]

A thoughtful and actionable management resource that addresses one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today. The book provides a clear framework for cutting through complexity and focusing on what truly drives results. Highly recommended for executives, managers, and business professionals alike.

[Mark Williams]

Simply Effective offers a practical approach to one of the biggest challenges facing modern organizations: unnecessary complexity. Ron Ashkenas clearly explains how complexity develops and provides useful strategies for reducing it. The emphasis on actionable solutions makes the book particularly valuable for managers and organizational leaders.

[Collins]

A thoughtful guide for managers who want to make their organizations more efficient. Ashkenas does an excellent job of connecting organizational complexity to everyday management decisions, processes, and structures. The examples from major companies make the concepts easier to understand and apply.

[Victor]

What makes Simply Effective stand out is its focus on practical action rather than theory alone. The book gives readers a framework for recognizing sources of complexity and taking deliberate steps to simplify them. It is a useful resource for anyone responsible for improving organizational effectiveness.

[Marvellous]

This book provides an insightful look at how well intentioned management decisions can gradually make organizations harder to operate. Ashkenas encourages leaders to examine their structures, processes, products, and management habits with a critical eye. The result is a useful playbook for creating a simpler and more effective organization.

[Allison]

Simply Effective presents a compelling argument that simplicity should be treated as an ongoing business discipline. The discussion of organizational structures and business processes is particularly relevant to companies experiencing rapid growth or constant change. Its practical examples give the ideas considerable real world relevance.

[Williams Edison]

For anyone trying to understand why getting things done becomes difficult inside large organizations, this book provides a valuable perspective. Ashkenas identifies several common sources of complexity and offers concrete ways to address them. The book is especially useful for managers looking to improve execution without simply adding more rules or processes

[Mary Palmer]

One of the strongest aspects of Simply Effective is that it challenges readers to consider whether complexity is actually necessary. Many of the problems discussed are created gradually through ordinary organizational decisions. The book encourages leaders to step back, identify what is slowing their teams down, and simplify deliberately.

[Allison Brown]

Ashkenas writes with an executive audience in mind, addressing problems that frequently emerge as organizations become larger and more sophisticated. The examples involving established companies help demonstrate how complexity can affect decision making and execution. Overall, it provides a useful framework for leaders seeking greater organizational clarity.

[Zo Po]

Great case studies. At times, the details may feel overwhelming, but I found that all it is a great book. Even if it was written a while ago, and GE is mo longer what it was, the topic is relevant and the approach interesting .

[France Edward]

One of the most valuable management books I have read in recent years. Ashkenas clearly explains how complexity develops within organizations and provides a roadmap for creating a more focused and efficient workplace. The lessons are immediately applicable.

[Matthew]

A highly practical guide for leaders who feel overwhelmed by organizational complexity. Ron Ashkenas breaks down difficult management challenges into actionable steps that can be implemented immediately. The real-world examples make the concepts easy to understand and apply.

[Collins]

Ron Ashkenas provides a compelling case for why simplicity is a competitive advantage. The diagnostic tools and actionable recommendations help readers identify barriers to effectiveness and develop practical solutions for overcoming them.

[Harperlyll]

An insightful and well organized guide to modern management challenges. The book highlights common behaviors and systems that create unnecessary complexity and offers clear methods for addressing them. I would recommend it to leaders across all industries.

[Mark]

This book delivers exactly what its title promises. The strategies are straightforward, easy to understand, and highly effective. Managers looking to improve organizational performance will find valuable guidance throughout every chapter.

[Matt]

Simply Effective is packed with practical wisdom. Ashkenas successfully demonstrates how simplifying structures, processes, and decision making can create stronger organizations. The case studies add credibility and make the concepts even more impactful.

[Susan]

A practical and insightful guide. Ron Ashkenas breaks down organizational complexity into clear, actionable strategies that leaders can implement immediately.

[Matthew]

An excellent management resource. The book offers practical solutions for improving efficiency without oversimplifying real organizational challenges.

[Victor]

Highly recommended for leaders. The concepts are easy to understand and provide a solid framework for reducing unnecessary complexity in the workplace.

[Nicolas Dean]

Ron Ashkenas delivers a powerful reminder that organizational success often depends less on doing more and more on eliminating what gets in the way. Simply Effective provides a clear, practical framework for identifying unnecessary complexity and replacing it with smarter, more efficient ways of working. The insights are relevant for organizations of all sizes, and the real-world examples make the lessons both credible and actionable. An excellent resource for leaders seeking to improve execution, productivity, and overall business performance.

[Mark]

Simply Effective is an excellent resource for managers at every level. The framework for identifying and eliminating complexity is both insightful and practical. I found the recommendations realistic and highly relevant to today's business environment.

[Eleanor Hastings]

What makes this book stand out is its emphasis on sustainable simplification rather than quick fixes. The examples from major organizations demonstrate that reducing complexity can lead to significant improvements in efficiency, communication, and results.

[AMELIA]

This book is so amazing I really enjoyed reading it thanks ron for the great work

[Tom Armstrong]

Lots of great cases studies, easy read, and easily applicable immediately.

[Thomas]

Didn't finish. But put it on the backburner. Too many books on the same topic.

[Jennifer]

Decent refresher, some new case studies but not a lot of new concepts.