Six ways to Always Keep it Simple

Occam’s Razor originally written in Latin is translated as “entities should not be multiplied unnecessarily”. This has often been simplified to “the simplest solution is usually the correct one.” A later quote by Einstein enforces the original intent, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.” When we ask for explanations, we often want the explainer to Keep It Simple. This is true in parenting when you ask your children what happened that caused the crying. This is true when we call customer service to troubleshoot a problem or fix an error. This is true when we negotiate any large purchase or attempt a debt settlement. This is true when we go to the doctor. This is even true when following the Bible. However, when we are the explainer, sometimes keeping it simple is a much more difficult task. These are my suggestions for Keeping It Simple.

Always consider what you are saying and how you say it.

Always consider your audience.

Always be prepared to give an answer, but take your time to answer adequately and efficiently.

Always give and ask for clarification.

Always listen to the response without thinking to your next point.

Always respect the opinions of others, be willing to walk away before an argument, and attempt to salvage relationships.

While the answer may not always be simple, we can simply (concisely, accurately) offer answers.