Sometimes simple is better. Taking a more practical approach to life situations will always lead to a more consistent and predictable outcome.

Don’t get me wrong. Sometimes risk and “thinking outside the box” is required. (See my ideas about Creativity) but sometimes the best solutions to the problems we encounter are simple and right in front of us. I have spent countless hours trying to come up with unique and creative solutions only to fall back on the first idea that seemed “to simple”.

So my approach over the years is to consider the practical points in every situation first. I have been pretty successful with this especially in the area of applications development. If there is one area that I have found is very easy to get caught up in the “non-practical” it’s here. I have seen some of the most basic problems get addressed by hours and hours of code, when a simple validation would have done the trick.

Probably the biggest area I have seen the growth of “non-practical” activities is in the area of project management. I have studied and gotten certifications in several methodologies. Whether you adhere to a strict PMI methodology or you get creative and use a “scrum” (I just love that word), it is very easy to get caught up in all of the documentation and neat PowerPoints that you miss the key elements of the project…actually delivering the product on time and on budget.

I have found that best solutions in managing a project are usually the ones that have the fewest amount “excess” documentation and allow those that actually do the work (typically not the project manager) to have the most amount of time to actually do the work. Creating a simple WBS(work breakdown structure) with real “tasks”, a simple method of collaboration and attention to keeping schedules accurate, usually lead to a well run project.

Of course all of this must be balanced. As you read through the other areas of my portfolio hopefully it all begins to make sense. Each one of the traits I believe are an important quality of what makes a successful person.