Subtract
by Leidy Klotz
An engineer's research shows that people reliably overlook subtraction when solving problems: we add rules, features, steps and stuff, and rarely remove. The book explains why and how to notice it. It is a single, well-supported insight with broad applications, from schedules to products to policy.
Read it if…
your solutions always involve adding something and your life keeps getting heavier.
Skip it if…
you want a comprehensive productivity book; this is one idea, well made.
Three things you will actually use
- Ask 'what can I remove' before 'what can I add.'
- Subtract to reveal what works.
- Make less visible; it is harder to notice than more.
Do this first
Take one problem you are solving and list three things you could remove before adding anything.
Our verdict
One useful idea, well argued.
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