Keep It Simple

In class, we have been studying and discussing leadership theory by reading a variety of articles and the novel, Good to Great, by Jim Collins. In this novel, one of the main concepts that Collins focuses on is the Hedgehog Theory. The idea behind this theory is based on Isaiah Berlin’s famous essay, “The Hedgehog and the Fox”, where the fox, quick and cunning, is constantly looking for new and clever ways to attack the hedgehog, but the hedgehog is capable of defending itself every time just by rolling into a ball with its spikes out. In other words, the hedgehog sticks to what it is good at. Collins states, “It doesn’t matter how complex the world, a hedgehog reduces all challenges and dilemmas to simple – indeed almost simplistic – hedgehog ideas.”

In today’s day and age, I think it is very easy to become a fox and get caught up in all the details and complexities of the world and that doesn’t necessarily mean we are going to fail. But what takes us from good to great is simplifying and having an understanding of what our business does best in the world compared to everyone else. Two companies that immediately come to mind when thinking about this concept are Starbucks and In-N-Out Burger. Both companies know what they do best and stick to it. They stay true to themselves and their product; “anything that does not somehow relate to the hedgehog idea holds no relevance.” This concept is, ironically, so simple yet revolutionary. I am already trying to think of ways that I can apply it to school projects and hopefully will someday be able to apply to my job.