Simplify the Game: Life and Business Lessons from Hockey

I once had a boss that loved the National Hockey League (NHL). He and I would often poke, and prod at each other about our opposing teams. He was a Carolina Hurricanes fan, and I a life-long Boston Bruins fan. We go back and forth analyzing stats, talking about recent outcomes, injuries and projections. He’d often use analogies from the NHL to portray his vision and direction for the organization. Despite our opposition on the ice there was one aspect of the game he would frequently reference that we always agreed on: sometimes to achieve success you just need to simplify your game. In the dynamic world of sports, particularly in high-pressure scenarios like the NHL, the essence of victory often lies in simplification. Coaches and analysts consistently stress the importance of players and teams streamlining their game, honing in on fundamental strategies while discarding unnecessary complexities. But beyond the rink, what insights can we glean from the NHL's emphasis on simplifying processes? Let's delve deeper into this compelling analogy.

In both sports and business, complexity can present a formidable challenge. While intricate strategies and elaborate plans may appear impressive, they often lead to confusion, inefficiency, and ultimately, underperformance. If we observe some of the NHL's most triumphant teams, we'll notice a recurring theme: their success is firmly rooted in simplicity. We often used terms like this in the military- many of readers will have probably heard the acronym “KISS” (Keep it Simple, Stupid). Many of the US military’s most elite organizations like the Navy SEALS, Army Rangers, and Marine Raiders are not experts because of their complexity but because they have mastered the most basic of principles and can frequently execute them without flaw.

In the face of adversity on the ice, coaches and analysts often prescribe a straightforward yet profound strategy: simplify your game. While not an athlete, coach of business man, Leonardo DaVinci said it best when he said, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." DaVinci’s words encapsulate many aspects of life, business and…the game of hockey – success lies not in convoluted tactics but in the mastery of fundamental skills executed with precision and clarity. When a team or individual returns to basics, focusing on precise passing, solid defense, and disciplined play, they rediscover the core principles that underpin their success. By shedding unnecessary complexities and minimizing risky maneuvers, teams create a foundation of stability and resilience, enabling them to navigate challenges with poise and confidence. This principle of simplification is not merely a tactical adjustment but a profound mindset shift that fosters clarity of purpose and amplifies performance on the ice. But how does this apply to us and what does complexity and simplicity look like off the ice?

In today's organizational landscape, complexity often manifests in various ways, from elaborate workflows to an overabundance of meetings. Moreover, there's a phenomenon I've termed "Complexity Creep," where simple processes gradually become more intricate over time. Take, for instance, the hiring process: Initially straightforward, with time, more stakeholders want input, leading to additional vetting, paperwork, and resource allocation. Before long, what was once a simple procedure now demands thousands of dollars in additional expenses and man-hours. This complexity is further compounded in large organizations with overlapping processes, where changes to one process can have ripple effects on others, creating inefficiencies and hindering productivity. Organizational leaders should be aware of the signs of Complexity Creep- review processes at regular intervals and truly ask the question “Are all these steps necessary?” But other than decreasing the amount of time we spend sitting in meetings- why should we really favor simplicity over complexity?

Firstly, we’ve found that simplicity directly impacts talent retention and work culture. When processes are streamlined and complexities minimized, employees are more likely to feel informed, satisfied and engaged in their roles. This greater feeling of connectedness has attributed to talent retention within the organization, reducing turnover rates and preserving institutional knowledge.

Simplicity also fosters improved employee engagement. Clear and understandable workflows empower employees, making them feel more informed about their roles and responsibilities. This transparency leads to higher levels of engagement as employees better understand how their contributions align with organizational objectives.

Additionally, simplicity facilitates creative problem-solving. Complexity often obscures simple solutions to complex problems. By promoting a culture of simplicity, organizations encourage deeper thinking and creativity among employees. When processes are straightforward and uncomplicated, employees are better equipped to identify innovative solutions to challenges. In some instances- complexity is the easy answer and demanding simple solutions forces more creative solutions. I give you an example from my early army days- I remember going on a ruck march (a 12 mile forced hike with a heavy backpack)where it was well below freezing and snowing. It was cold enough, in fact, that our water would freeze in our canteens. Our inexperienced leadership would tell us that either, there was nothing we could do (no creative thought) or to take our canteens out of the pouches and hold them in our hands to keep the water moving as we swung our hands, slowing the freezing (tiring solution-lazy thinking). Luckily, we had one experienced leader who thought this through and he recommended we all to turn our canteens upside down. Since water would freeze from the top down it would keep the opening of our canteens free from ice- creative yet very simple solution. Thankfully, we all finished the ruck march, a statement I may not have been able to make if all our water was frozen and undrinkable. This is just a small example of how embracing simplicity not only improves workflows but also cultivates a culture of creativity, innovation, and better outcomes within an organization.

So, how can businesses streamline their processes effectively? Begin by conducting a comprehensive audit of existing workflows to pinpoint areas of complexity. Engage your employees in this endeavor – after all, they possess invaluable frontline insights into potential improvements. Consider where technology simplifies vs. complicates processes. Is that new AI tool really simplifying processes or is it incorporating a new tool for the sake of striving for the illusion of relevance? Leaders should be cognizant of their role in the simplification process- allow yourselves to standback- observe and understand the complexity of the whole system so you may simplify. Nevertheless, here are some clear points to keep in mind when looking to simplify:

• Understand the desired outcome- What problem is the process aiming to solve? Fully understand your visualization of what the outcome of the process or system looks like.
  

• Understand the minimums- We call these constraints and restraints- What are the things in the process that absolutely MUST  be done (constraints)and what things absolutely MUST NOT be done (restraints)?
  

• Portray a clear vision- We recommend spending considerable time on creating a clear vision. The first vision you publish for a process or project will set the tone. Be very clear- provide a very tight purpose and desired outcome; include loose methodology that allows your people to exercise their expertise in project/ process accomplishment.
  

• Review, review, review- don’t be afraid to revisit process- trust in your people to accomplish your vision but do regular checks to prevent “Complexity Creep”

In the dynamic arenas of sports, military, and business alike, the imperative of simplification cannot be overstated. Just as NHL teams strive to simplify their game to clinch victory, organizations must endeavor to simplify their processes to attain success. By concentrating on core objectives, discarding unnecessary complexities, and fostering a culture of simplicity, businesses can position themselves for enduring success in today's fiercely competitive landscape. So, let's heed the NHL's wisdom and streamline our path to success – one simple step at a time.