Explanations by Geeks

There is a classic principle called Occam's Razor that suggests that in a complex situation, when faced with competing potential solutions, that the simplest solution, the one that introduces the least number of assumptions and variables but still results in the desired outcome or proof -  is generally preferable.

I think that an appreciation of the concept of the Razor is important for folks that are charged with designing, deploying, explaining, and exploiting new technologies in organizations and for Human Resources departments that perhaps have traditionally been somewhat technology averse. Technology types and the geeks among us that love to spend time extolling the virtues of the 'latest and greatest' new tools sometimes have a tendency to want to talk about big, complex solutions since we are able to envision the end state, a kind of nirvana of interconnected and interacting systems and processes that will put essential information at the fingertips of those managers/leaders/employees that need it, all in real time, and in cool and colorful interactive dashboards.

While it is important to appreciate and understand the end-state vision we can't lose sight of the current realities in many organizations - employees swamped with day-to-day responsibilities, using tools that while not necessarily are the latest and most exciting, are at least familiar and comfortable, and often unable (or unwilling) to support large-scale change in a sweeping and transformative manner (that makes the geeks happy).

Don't forget that small victories and improvements might be needed to establish some credibility, start opening the organization's minds to looking at process and technology in new ways, and serve as an important foundation for instilling the kind of environment of curiosity and creativity and change that the geeks are after.

Start small.

Maybe even as small as 'better staplers and scissors'.

Note : Picture credit - Viktor Koroma from the 'Sex, Drugs, and Office Supplies' series.

Note 2 : The HR Happy Hour Show is live tonight talking about the law and social media with the 'I Fought the Law' show, 8PM EDT.