Complexity Quote by Greg Born
““The Complexity Trap: Every problem gets solved by adding more …more meetings, more approval, more process. Until the solution becomes worse than the problem.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Complexity Trap by Greg Born, 2020
Adding layers of bureaucracy often worsens issues rather than fixing them, creating a self‑defeating cycle.
In simple terms: More process can make problems worse.
Key Takeaway
Avoid unnecessary complexity.
Themes
bureaucracy
process
decision‑making
efficiency
Mood
frustrated
analytical
Type
cautionary
insightful
When to use this quote
- project management
- product development
- team meetings
- policy design
Key Concepts
systems thinking
organizational behavior
Questions to Reflect On
- Are you adding steps that don’t add value?
- How can you streamline this process?
A Different Perspective
Complexity can stifle innovation and delay resolution.
![“[In science any model depends on a pre-chosen taxonomy] a set of classifications into which we divide the enormous complexity of the real world... Land, labor, and capital are extremely heterogeneous aggregates, not much better than earth, air, fire, and water.” quote by Kenneth E. Boulding](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/47e/kenneth-e-boulding-3728_air_in-science-any-model-depends-on-a-pre-ch_12383.jpg)
