How valuable is simplicity? The demand for it is certainly high. Those who enjoy a simple life are envied by the rest of us who strive to achieve it. Could this book be the answer to those dreams?

Quite simply, no. Simplicity does not provide any easy answers. As a manual, however, it contains some important lessons that can be applied to one's professional life. De Bono most usefully points out that simplicity does not just happen, you have to work for it. Those who enjoy a simple life have got there not through good fortune but through a little thought and hard work.

Simplicity is undervalued within organisations and although working methods may be targeted for simplification, does it ever work? Yes and no.

A simplified process can cut costs and increase productivity. But where a cost-cutting drive will receive the support of management , a simplification drive will not, despite the value-adding possibilities.

What is needed is a change in outlook towards simplification, and the book certainly furnishes the reader with this. Consider your organisation from the perspective of its clients to see if your working methods are as simple as you think. If there is a problem, change your perspective and the possibilities for simplification might well become apparent. The challenge is there for all of us.

¥ Scott Davies is a Consultant with Renaissance Strategy Group, Renaissance Worldwide.