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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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Think Simple summary
How Smart Leaders Defeat Complexity
24 mins
Brief summary
Think Simple by Ken Segall is a thought-provoking book that encourages us to simplify our lives and work by eliminating unnecessary complexities. It teaches us to focus on the core ideas and their execution rather than getting bogged down by complicated details.
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Think Simple
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Key idea 1 of 8
Simplicity is not about being simple – it’s about giving the impression of being simple.
We can’t help but make things complex. The more we discover, invent, and grow as a species, the more complicated our lives become. From labyrinthine bureaucracies to the maddening instructions that come with appliances, we complicate things.
The irony is that we love simplicity. We prefer easy-to-use products. We gravitate toward people who express themselves clearly. We love companies that have a distinctive, simple brand. So why do we overcomplicate things?
Well, mainly because simplicity is really hard to attain.
The key message here is: Simplicity is not about being simple – it’s about giving the impression of being simple.
Take an Apple MacBook. It's a beautifully simple bit of technology, but a lot of complexity went into it. Ask most MacBook owners to explain the advanced technology powering their computers and they’d be stumped. Or consider Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. Ice cream surely can’t be that complicated, right? Well, what appears to be a straightforward, delicious confection – with big chunks of cookie dough, candy, and swirls – is actually the result of a complex process.
In fact, when the company first started, classic ice cream machinery could only handle small ingredients. But to get their signature ice cream flavors, Ben Cohen and Jerry Greenfield invented a way to add those big chunks and hefty swirls. Then, to make things even more complicated, they had to figure out how to mass-produce it – large chunks and all.
Simplicity, then, isn’t simple. But companies benefit by giving the impression of simplicity, which is precisely what Foolproof does. Foolproof is a fast-growing digital-design agency based in the UK. They design websites for major tech firms, airlines, banks, and media companies. And their ability to make the user experience as simple as possible is what sets them apart.
To do this, they strive for what they call “flow,” a concept attributed to the Hungarian psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi. In a state of flow, the user moves seamlessly through a website and isn’t aware of his actions because everything is so intuitive.
This means that things like booking flights, which can be frustrating, become uniquely simple, pleasant experiences. And though the web designers at Foolproof have worked extremely hard to achieve this simplicity, the user won’t know a thing about it.
Simplicity, then – it’s something that looks easy on the outside, but is extremely tricky on the inside.
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What is Think Simple about?
Think Simple (2020) shows us how simplicity is the key to successful businesses, from Hyundai to Whole Foods. Here, Apple insider Ken Segall teaches us how to combat complexity and focus on what really matters in a winning organization.
Think Simple Review
Think Simple (2016) by Ken Segall is a book that explores the power of simplicity in business and everyday life. Here's why it's definitely worth reading:
- With practical insights and real-world examples, it provides a roadmap for embracing simplicity and achieving success.
- Captivating stories from Segall's time working with Steve Jobs add depth and intrigue to the book, making it a compelling read.
- The book's emphasis on simplicity as a competitive advantage makes it a valuable resource for anyone looking to stand out in today's complex world.
Who should read Think Simple?
- Business leaders looking to simplify their complex organizations
- Start-up entrepreneurs who want to preserve their initial simplicity
- Anyone interested in Apple’s business philosophy
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Think Simple FAQs
What is the main message of Think Simple?
The main message of Think Simple is that simplicity is key to success in business and life.
How long does it take to read Think Simple?
The reading time for Think Simple varies, but it typically takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Think Simple a good book? Is it worth reading?
Think Simple is a must-read for those looking to embrace simplicity and improve their decision-making. It provides practical insights for success in today's complex world.
Who is the author of Think Simple?
Ken Segall is the author of Think Simple.
What to read after Think Simple?
If you're wondering what to read next after Think Simple, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Insanely Simple by Ken Segall
- Serve Up, Coach Down by Nathan Jamail
- Strategy Rules by David B. Yoffie and Michael A. Cusumano
- The Presentation Secrets of Steve Jobs by Carmine Gallo
- The Making of a Leader by Tom Young
- The First Minute by Chris Fenning
- Good Leaders Ask Great Questions by John C. Maxwell
- Help Me, I Have No Discipline and Zero Self-Control by Vaughn Carter
- Meaningful by Bernadette Jiwa
- 7 Business Habits That Drive High Performance by Nicholas S. Barnett