Power Play: To be simple is to be great

Simplicity and greatness are rarely used in the same sentence. But Ralph Waldo Emerson who wrote the above seven words was absolutely right.

So much of our lives are deliberately wrapped up in complexity. We love to add layers and layers of confusion and intrigue when none is required.

Power Players love to pare it back. They don’t need fancy words and impressive strategies and convoluted theories to show how smart they are.

They worked out long ago that true greatness is to be found in cutting through the pretence and hyperbole. To be clear and simple in thought and in deed; to give direct, uncomplicated instructions, to take the shortest route to the finish line, to use five words when everyone else uses 50: these are all things that make for a great Power Player.