One of the hardest—but most powerful—things you can do as a leader or grower is keep it simple.
On the farm, the KISS principle shows up in how you decide what to grow. Every season, there’s a temptation to try a new variety, chase something trendy, or experiment with crops you’ve never grown before. And there’s nothing wrong with some experimentation—but it should be intentional and limited. I try to keep it to 10% or less of what I grow. The other 90%? That’s dedicated to mastering a few things I want to be known for—like having the best lettuce or tomatoes anyone’s ever tasted.
The same mindset applies in business. As a CEO, especially when sales are sluggish or market conditions shift, it’s tempting to constantly pivot. But if you’re always chasing the next thing, you risk confusing your team and diluting your impact. A clear, focused direction—anchored in your strengths—builds momentum. Yes, some pivots are necessary. But frequent changes can wear down your team and pull you away from what actually works.
Whether it is growing the same lettuce variety year after year or resisting changing your EOS Proven Process yet one more time (inside joke for the ThreeWillers), simplicity wins!
This post first appeared on April 11, 2025 in Sowing Success, my weekly LinkedIn newsletter on leadership and organic farming. Read the original on LinkedIn.
