If brevity is the soul of wit, I can think of no better example than Pick Two. This little tool is as powerful as it is underused, so I’m doing my part correct that oversight.
Who Knew Software Geeks Were So Smart
Way back in the mists of time, maybe 30 years ago or so, software developers then, like today, were struggling with the unreasonable demands of their customers – both internal and external. The customers wanted a solution tomorrow, that was bug-free, and didn’t cost an arm-and-a-leg.
Someone very smart came up with a simple solution to communicating the problem to customers and getting them to make tough choices. It was called “Pick Two”, and did more to crystallize the problem than any lengthy whitepaper could dream of.
- You can have it Good.
- You can have it Fast.
- You can have it Cheap.
Pick Two.
Just 17 words. Even shorter than the Gettysburg Address, and just as effective.
Pick Two Applied to Healthcare
Not too long ago, Arnold Kling of EconLog posted his version of a “Pick Two” on healthcare:
- You can have the best quality healthcare.
- You can have unrestricted access to healthcare.
- You can have someone else pay for it.
Pick Two.
I think this does a great job of summarizing the debate on healthcare in just 23 words.
Delegation and the Business Owner
So, in the spirit of experimentation, I am going to attempt an occasional series of Pick Twos. Maybe we can create a new Meme together.
Today’s inaugural contribution:
- You can grow your business.
- You can do everything yourself.
- You can have a life.
Pick Two!
(To be honest, if you pick the second option, you’re probably stuck with Pick One.)
Think about it. Agree? Disagree? If you think you can have all three, prove it.
Have any Pick Twos you’d like to share? Comments are open.