One of the challenges of leading is the “simultaneous solve.” That is, leaders must often solve for multiple variables or meet the needs of different stakeholders at the same time. It requires comfort with paradox and skill at finding common ground. In a recent piece for strategy+business, Eric McNulty explores the challenges and opportunities in finding “elegant” solutions that meet this need. He says:

A fundamental challenge for leaders today is to reset and refocus their organizations to move with hope and confidence into an uncertain future. Elegance is a framework that facilitates that journey.  With elegance, one can embrace beauty and fluidity while eschewing waste and complication. As you examine assumptions and surface innovative alternatives, ask yourself, “Is this the most elegant option?” Go in search of elegance and you may just find an age-old goal: excellence.