Change Signal
Your Brain's Dangerous Change Blind Spot: Leidy Klotz
Mar 12, 2025
Leidy Klotz, a Professor at the University of Virginia and author of "Subtraction: The Untapped Science of Less," explores the overlooked power of subtraction in change management. He shares how organizations often default to adding rather than removing, hindering effective improvements. Through engaging examples like Lego bricks and Strider bikes, Leidy reveals the importance of recognizing what to eliminate. His practical strategies encourage a mindset shift to enhance decision-making and creativity, empowering leaders to transform their approaches to change.
26:12
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Quick takeaways
- Leidy Klotz emphasizes that subtraction, often overlooked in change management, can lead to more effective solutions by eliminating unnecessary elements.
- To foster a culture of subtraction, organizations should incorporate discussions about what to stop doing into annual reviews, empowering employees to suggest eliminations.
Deep dives
The Power of Subtraction in Change Management
Subtraction is often an overlooked method for facilitating change within organizations, yet it can be a powerful tool. Leidy Klotz emphasizes this concept by sharing a personal anecdote about playing with Legos, where instead of adding a piece to balance a structure, his son intuitively removed a part to achieve stability. This simplicity highlights a common tendency to default to addition when seeking improvements, rather than considering what can be removed. Recognizing subtraction as a viable option can lead to more efficient and effective solutions in various change scenarios.
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