Two incredibly valuable questions in business and life:
- Is it necessary?
- Can it be simplified?
I recently read a fascinating book that takes you back to a different time: Harvey S. Firestone’s memoir, Men and Rubber, from 1926. Viewing the development of the preeminent tire company, the one that first negotiated putting tires instead of wheels on Henry Ford’s cars, is in many ways a lifetime’s education in how to build and scale a company in both a simpler and more complex time.
Firestone devotes an entire chapter to examples of applying these two questions to the development and growth of the business. I think they apply to everything we do, personally and professionally.
Is it necessary?
Life demands more of our time, energy, attention, and resources every day. Our counter to those demands should be constantly asking “Is this necessary?” If not, eliminate it. Be ruthless; your resources are always limited. If it is necessary, the second question adds additional value.
Can it be simplified?
If whatever you’re committed to is necessary, is it being executed in the simplest, most efficient way? If not, what can be done to simplify or increase efficiency?
Two timeless questions that apply to everything from what’s for dinner to scaling a billion-dollar company. Two questions we should be asking in everything we do much more frequently. Two questions that can 10x the value of your life and work.
Is it necessary? If so, can it be simplified?
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