It’s the simple things in life that are the best. The smell of freshly mown grass. The streaming sun as it warms your back. The laugh of a child. You know, the simple things.
But the most valuable lesson I have learnt is to keep it simple when it comes to conversation, communication and by extension, leadership. To never use more words than I need to in order to communicate what I have to say. To shut my mouth and really listen to what people are saying, to be curiously engaged in what they are saying and why.
An example of this is within the field I work, property management, often by really listening to the concerns of the tenant or owner I can access what is really going on behind the words being said. When I am able to stop trying to fix what is going on (making it complicated). When I can stop trying to offer a witty response or example from my own life in order to demonstrate the connection we have (making it complicated). It gets very, very simple in deed.
You need only listen, until there is nothing left for the other person to say. Than ask them, is there anything else until there is nothing left. You get them, they appreciate you. And sometimes, saying nothing opens the invitation for you to contribute what you think. And this connection with people, is only possible when you keep it simple.
This is a lesson I learnt recently and one that is empowering my relationships with people. I am a smarter negotiator, a powerful team leader and an effector of change. All by simply saying less. Keeping it simple.
*in case your wondering why my post is titled Keep it Simple, Sweetie, it’s because my parents would never, ever call a child stupid. Ever. Never, Ever, Ever.
Suger 
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