Leidy Klotz

Join behavioral scientist Leidy Klotz, a professor at the University of Virginia and author of "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less," as he reveals the transformative power of subtraction in everyday life. Discover how our tendency to add can obstruct efficiency, impacting everything from personal decisions to complex legislation. Klotz shares insights on how innovators like Elon Musk and Steve Jobs leveraged simplicity to revolutionize industries. Tune in for actionable advice on embracing the elegance of less and reshaping your approach to problem-solving!

In a thought-provoking conversation, Leidy Klotz, a professor and author focused on the art of subtraction, shares insights on simplifying life. He discusses how saying 'no' can enhance productivity and decision-making. Klotz emphasizes questioning the need for more and explores how subtraction can revolutionize personal and organizational efficiency. By reflecting on the collaboration between iconic tech leaders, he illustrates the transformative power of open dialogue in fostering a culture that values simplicity and focus.

From how we build our cities to how we shop, it can seem as though our natural human tendency is to add. But a culture of accumulation may be exactly what holds us back from the simple solution in front of us: taking things away. University of Virginia professor Leidy Klotz helps us analyze the benefits of subtraction and how less may create the space for what we truly desire. This episode was produced by Rebecca Rashid and is hosted by Arthur Brooks. Editing by A.C. Valdez and Claudine Ebeid. Fact-check by Ena Alvarado. Engineering by Matthew Simonson. Be part of How to Build a Happy Life. Write to us at howtopodcast@theatlantic.com. To support this podcast, and get unlimited access to all of The Atlantic’s journalism, become a subscriber. Music by the Fix (“Saturdays”), Mindme (“Anxiety”), JADED (“Blue Steel”), and Timothy Infinite (“Rapid Years”). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Leidy Klotz discusses the difficulty in stopping the constant pursuit of more in our lives. He explores the power of subtraction and simplicity, highlighting the benefits of removing unnecessary elements. The episode touches on the biological roots of our desire for more and emphasizes the importance of filtering information for personal growth and happiness.

Leidy Klotz, a Professor of Engineering at the University of Virginia and author of "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less," discusses the often-overlooked power of subtraction in problem-solving. He shares how people instinctively lean towards adding rather than simplifying, drawing from engaging experiments, including ones with Legos. Klotz emphasizes that minimalist approaches can lead to more efficient solutions and communication. He challenges listeners to reconsider their cognitive defaults and embrace simplicity for better outcomes.

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.

Leidy Klotz, an engineer at the University of Virginia, dives into the often-ignored power of subtraction in innovation. He discusses how simplifying ideas can spark creativity and improve problem-solving. Klotz shares a personal anecdote about building a Lego bridge, illustrating how removing elements can lead to innovative solutions. The conversation highlights the benefits of a 'stop doing list' to boost productivity and explores how crises can force meaningful reductions, transforming our thinking towards embracing less for greater impact.

Leidy Klotz, UVA Engineering professor and author of Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less, discusses the power of subtraction and analogies. He highlights how subtraction is often overlooked and provides examples of its effectiveness. Additionally, he explores how analogies can help challenge entrenched thinking. An intriguing analogy between curiosity and snoring is also presented.

In this episode, guest Leidy Klotz, a researcher on the psychology of subtraction, discusses how our instinctual preference for addition can obstruct optimal decision-making. He explains that humans tend to add rather than subtract when trying to improve a situation, as it is a visible way to display competence. However, Klotz argues that subtracting can also display competence, but it may require more effort to make it noticeable. The episode explores concepts such as loss aversion and the IKEA effect, and how prioritizing subtraction can lead to achieving goals effectively.

Leidy Klotz, a Professor at the University of Virginia and author of "Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less," challenges the common belief that more is always better. He discusses how cognitive biases lead us to favor addition over subtraction in decision-making. Leidy introduces powerful tactics like 'meeting doomsday' to streamline operations and reduce unnecessary meetings. He illustrates how subtraction can enhance design and differentiation in business, proving that doing less can often lead to greater efficiency and innovation.