SAP Wants to Run Simple. Just like me.

[Former Member]

There is something calming about running for me. My runner’s closet is equipped with a multitude of patterned footwear. Selecting the right shoe for the weather, the terrain and the distance are decisions I love to make. The route – that’s usually easy – hills or no? Short or long run? Outside or treadmill? Throw in a handy phone app that logs miles and prioritizes music, and I am ready for the run. A few decisions must be made, but for the most part it is an opportunity to undertake an activity that yields great results but hazards few input conundrums.

I like simple too. I want an opportunity to collect my experiences, goods and services and information in a more straightforward manner. I like one-click buying options, but love one-click stock market updates. I relate easily to a user interface that does not require training. I like direct flights from point A to point B. My Mom is proud to say that I ‘work with computers’ – isn’t that better than many of the lofty titles one might find on LinkedIn? ‘Tired of Buzz Word Bingo’ as my good friend wryly asks? Yes, simple is better.

Back to the purpose of this note: who doesn’t want to Run Simple? SAP’s marketing tag line is designed to elicit notions of a user sitting down to do their daily tasks with the ease and satisfaction of one curling up on the couch in front of a roaring fire with a good book. We all want things to be simpler. Easier commutes, fewer frenzied work hours, and less shoe-horning of extra-curricular activities into increasingly shrinking windows. But how do we get there?

We all must accept responsibility for changing the way we work. Stop and question if there isn’t a better way to do our daily tasks. Improve communication, send fewer emails, and strive for fewer handoffs in our processes. We need our customers, vendors and employees to think of us as easy to do business with. Champion transparency and accountability. Simply put – (pardon the pun) – we must relentlessly pursue efficiencies in the most straightforward way possible. Be the leader of change you want to see and results will follow. Good luck on your journey. I’ll be out running as simply as I can.