Why Smart People Miss Obvious Fixes
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It’s common to have haters lash out at my posts on LinkedIn.
This week, someone commented:
“I feel like your post is the same as ‘look both ways before you cross the road’ advice.”
That’s sophistication bias in action.
We undervalue advice that sounds too simple, even when it’s exactly what we need.
We chase complexity because it makes us feel smart. But in most organizations, the breakthrough isn’t complicated. It’s common sense that’s actually the unlock.
So this week, I’m giving you 5 practical truths that solve big workplace challenges 90% of the time—if you actually follow them.
I.
Getting Promoted
If you're not getting invited into the room, there's usually one of two reasons:
People don’t know you have the talent to help. Or they do know, but you’re hard to work with.
Either way, the brutal truth is the same: it’s on you to fix it.
💡Try This:
Make your value visible. And always improve how easy it is for people to get your advice or help. Your reputation isn’t just built on output. It’s built on access and approachability. Being good isn’t enough if no one knows how to engage with you when it matters.
II.
Teamwork
Cooperation is “I’ll do my part, and you do yours.”
Then we both get bonused for how well we did our parts. Not the actual outcome.
Collaboration is different. It means we share the same objective and are measured on the same result.
💡 Try This:
If you want real collaboration, tie incentives to the outcome, not the silo. Shared goals change the conversation. When people rise and fall together, they start solving real problems… together.
III.
Projects
Part-time people = part-time results. When a cross-functional team is only 10% focused, don’t be surprised when progress crawls.
💡 Try This:
Use a small, dedicated team with clear ownership. You’ll get speed, traction, and accountability. Big projects fail because too many people are sorta-in. You don’t need more bodies. You need more focus.
IV.
Prioritization
Working on something important isn’t enough. If it’s not important right now, it’s a distraction.
💡 Try This:
Ask, “What matters most this week?” And protect your calendar like it’s your reputation. Because it is. Urgency creates clarity. Without it, everything feels equal. And nothing gets finished.
V.
Conflict
Most conflict is a data problem. People make different decisions because they’re working from different facts.
💡 Try This:
Before debating solutions, get all the information on the table. Alignment starts with shared reality. You can’t argue your way out of confusion. But you can fact-find your way to common ground.
Bonus Tip: Dealing with Haters
What did I say to the guy who told me my post was like “look both ways before crossing the road”?
“Alex, I don’t know you. Are you okay?”
The best way to respond to nonsense is with calm curiosity. It de-escalates drama and reminds you who you are.
Your coach,
Chris
P.S. 🎙 Want in on a bold, live panel with former execs where we share the no-fluff, common sense solutions that actually work? We’re calling it The Uncomplicators (because that’s what we do).
Spots are limited—Email ‘Yes’ to chris@peoplebeforethings.co (not .com) and I’ll send a calendar poll to the group for scheduling.
