Check If a Plan Is Too Complex
Added 2026-10-31
Find steps to cut, stages to merge and people who are optional.
I have a plan (described below) that feels too complex. Do: 1) find three steps that could be cut without changing the outcome; 2) find two stages to merge; 3) point out participants who are actually optional; 4) propose a simplified version that reaches the same goal in half the steps; 5) state the biggest risk after simplifying and how to cover it.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
复杂计划的成本往往在协调，不在执行。
Try tweaking it
- Ask what evidence would overturn the judgement.
- Have it argue both sides with three reasons each.
What you should get
- A decision table: assumptions, evidence, counter-evidence
- A next action with an observable signal
Common mistakes
- Asking only "should I?" and getting equally valid answers both ways.
- Never asking for counter-examples, so you only hear support.
How to check the output
- It states what evidence would overturn the conclusion.
- Both sides are argued, with assumptions marked as such.
Where it works
- Good for: splitting a decision into assumptions, evidence and counter-cases, leaving the call to you.
- Watch out: ask what evidence would overturn the judgement, or you will only hear supporting reasons.