Redux: “Difficult” vs “Complex”

The length of yesterday’s “Difficult” vs “Complex” email may have obscured my point, which is really about delegation and scale.

Take, for example, the computer or cell phone you're using right now.

Designing it was a complex problem. Beyond a certain point, adding more people to the design team will actually slow the process, with no benefit in quality.

Building it was merely difficult. Once the build process was standardized, the manufacturers could in theory create as many assembly lines as they wanted.

Here's the thing:

For complex processes or unique projects, you need a few people, at most, with deep understanding of your needs and the tools that can meet them.

For standardized simple tasks, any requirement of time and effort can be overcome by adding reliable people — or even automation.

Complex problem? Pick a small team of knowledgeable experts.

Difficult but simple? Many hands make light work.

All the best,
A.