Quick fixes for complex problems: why they don't work

Let me start by clarifying what we mean by the title. Well-intentioned but overly simplistic, "one-size-fits-all" solutions to complex problems usually don't work. We see this in various aspects of our society, such as politics, healthcare, and business.

The problem with quick fixes:

The frustrating thing is that as the complexity of the problems we want to solve increases, these quick fixes become less and less effective or even harmful!

Complexity, as the word suggests, is complex. The fact that you can achieve complex changes with simple interventions does not detract from the underlying complexity. This means that you cannot know in advance what will and will not work, and what unintended side effects it will have!

Examples of quick fixes:

1. "It's either this or that" solutions: These solutions present a false dichotomy, implying that there are only two options: success or failure. This is also known as framing. The person who sets the frame steers you towards one solution while excluding hundreds of others.

2. "If X, then Y" solutions: These solutions rely on a false cause-and-effect reasoning. The fact that one thing follows another does not necessarily mean that they are related.

3. "The 7-step plan" solutions: These solutions create a false sense of reliability. One might wonder why, if these step-by-step plans are so effective, we keep needing more of them?

Why we are attracted to quick fixes:

We are drawn to quick fixes because they appeal to our deep-seated need for control. The promise of simplicity and feasibility is too tempting to resist, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.

A better alternative: continuous experimentation:

The best alternative to quick fixes that we have found is continuous experimentation. This involves trying out different things in a thoughtful manner, preferably solutions that are most likely to succeed based on past experience. We call this a methodical approach. It's not perfect, but it's better than the alternative...

What quick fixes do you often see around you?