How to Gently Tell a Colleague, Youre Overcomplicating ThisLike, a Lot

How to Gently Tell a Colleague, Youre Overcomplicating ThisLike, a LotHow to Gently Tell a Colleague, Youre Overcomplicating This- Like, a LotSo first, you enter the copy here. Then tick these boxes to indicate which hours the promotional message should run. Of course, write down any exceptions here. Then create a PDF. Send that to the program director. Get his approval. Revise the PDF. Send that to the talent for recording, then to the producer for music selection. Follow up with them, and once the spot has been recorded, it goes back to the program director. Give him three days to sign off, and thenI listened, patiently, as my colleague continued to explain the new and improved protocol- for what felt like an eternity. By the end of the explanation, producing a 15-second radio spot had become, apparently, a 45-step process. A process that involved a woefully outdated and clunky computer program that, apparently, we didnt have the resources to update. A process that welches making e veryone on the team feel resentful and stressed out. As the promotional coordinator, it was my job to follow the plan and make it happen. I was young, inexperienced, and under-confident at the time, so I said, Sure Makes sense. Consider it done.What I should have said was, I think we might be overcomplicating this- like, a lot.When a colleague is using a helpful system that has about 40 steps more than it needs to- or running a project that is mind-twistingly complicated- it can be tricky to say, We could be doing this differently without hurting any feelings.But as a co-worker, thats part of your job. Co + worker. Working in cooperation. Side by side. Collaboratively. When you see something that could be done better, its your responsibility to speak up.Just choose your words thoughtfully and be respectful.Heres a script that can helpHey name,I was thinking about name of project on my ride / drive / walk into work today.I had a few thoughts on how we could simplify the process / pro ject / plan / protocol- and achieve the exact same result, or possibly an even better result, a bit more efficiently.Could I share my thoughts with you, over coffee? I mapped out a simple plan and Im excited to share it. Today at time would be ideal for me, but if that doesnt work, let me know a time that does.ThanksYour nameYou can also try phrases likeHey, I was thinking about name of project and I was wondering about describe a particular step that is super complicated. Is there a reason why weve always done it that way?If I came up with a simpler approach that could save us time and money, would you be open to hearing about it?OrHey, Ive been on a major simplicity kick recently, looking for ways to streamline processes and get more done in less time. Ive got a plan that could help make name of project flow a lot more smoothly. Id love to share it with you and get your input.Youll want to adjust your language to suit your company culture, of course. Some companies are more formal when it comes to communicating and proposing ideas- others are laid-back and chillaxed. Do what makes sense for you.But no matter what kind of phrasing you choose, the key is to focus on the positive- a new solution a simpler plan a better approach- rather than dwelling on the negative. You want to get your colleagues excited about your idea, not put them on the defensive or make them feel incompetent.Think Hey, Ive got a proposition that could make this project flow a lot more smoothly. Lets talkNot This process just isnt working and were wasting tons of time. Were you high on cough syrup when you wrote this best practices manual?Even if your colleague says, No, were not changing the plan, you havent schwefellost anything. Youre still exactly where you started. But at least you made an effort and tried to make things better. And- best case scenario?Youll get to hear the 10 magic words youve been waiting forSounds like a great plan. Much simpler. Lets try it.Photo of complicated th inking courtesy of Shutterstock.