Childlike Simplicity

Laurie Beth Jones, in her book, Teach Your Team To Fish, points to a simple quiz:

1. How do you put a giraffe in the refrigerator?
2. How do you put an elephant in the refrigerator?
3. The Lion King is hosting an Animal Conference. All the animals attend except one. Which one does not attend?
4. You must cross a river, but it is infested with crocodiles. How do you manage it?

The first question tests whether you do things in an overly complicated way. The second question tests your ability to think through the repercussions of your actions. The third question tests your memory. The fourth question test whether you learn quickly from your mistakes.

1. The way to put a giraffe in the refrigerator is to open the refrigerator door, put in the giraffe, and then close it.
2. The way to put an elephant in the refrigerator is to open the door, take out the giraffe, put in the elephant, and then close it.
3. The animal that does not attend the Animal Conference is the elephant, because it is in the refrigerator.
4. The way to get across the river is to swim across it. It is safe because you know all the crocodiles are attending the Lion King's Animal Conference.

According to Jones' sources, 90 percent of professionals tested missed all the questions. However, preschoolers gave several correct answers. Perhaps we need to approach things like a four-year-old.

As you work in your people-helping profession (ministry, healthcare, social service, caregiving) where are you overly complicating things that can be simplified? Some tasks ARE complicated. Some are NOT. Over complicating things can sometimes add unnecessary energy drain and keep us from Serving Strong!

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