Rid Your Organization of Obstacles That Infuriate Everyone

As the organisation I lead has grown over the years - from half a dozen staff in a single office in year one, to over 80 staff in 13 countries in year ten - our policies and processes have become more complex.

That's unavoidable to a certain extent - bigger and more complex organisations require more policies to try and ensure equal and inclusive behaviours and compliance with externally mandated obligations.

But I do worry sometimes that we (including me) add the list of things staff are required to do with out stepping back and working out where we can remove requirements and simplify processes. It's much easier to add - and we are incentivised to do it - than subtract.

This HBR article gives a thoughtful overview of all the problems adding can cause, and some simple ways to get rid of obstacles that infuriate everyone - starting with (a) recognising the problem and (b) applying some common sense.