Simple Rules by Donald Sull & Kathleen M. Eisenhardt Summary

Simple Rules by Donald Sull and Kathleen Eisenhardt explores how streamlined guidelines can cut through overwhelming complexity in decision-making. The book argues that a few tailored rules—like boundary or timing rules—help individuals and organizations prioritize, act efficiently, and adapt to changing circumstances. It blends research with real-world examples, from medical triage to corporate strategy, to demonstrate how simplicity drives effectiveness.

Leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals facing decision overload will benefit most. Nonprofit managers, teams combating burnout, and anyone navigating fast-paced environments will find its frameworks actionable. The book is ideal for readers seeking research-backed strategies to simplify workflows, allocate resources, and maintain focus on core goals.

The authors categorize simple rules into six types:

• Boundary rules (yes/no criteria, e.g., “Don’t eat yellow snow”).
• Prioritizing rules (ranking tasks by impact).
• Stopping rules (when to halt an action).
• How-to rules (process guidelines).
• Coordination rules (team alignment).
• Timing rules (synchronizing actions).
  These rules help streamline decisions in contexts like crisis response or innovation.

Nonprofits can use simple rules to combat mission drift and burnout. Examples include prioritizing donor relationships with the highest long-term impact or setting boundary rules to reject funding misaligned with core values. Such rules empower staff to make autonomous, mission-focused decisions without rigid policies.

Burglars in the book use boundary rules like targeting homes with visible vehicles (indicating occupancy) to avoid capture. Similarly, judges may deny bail to defendants with prior failures to appear in court. These rules simplify complex decisions into clear yes/no criteria.

The authors emphasize that rules should evolve with new data. For instance, businesses might revise prioritization rules during market shifts, focusing on emerging customer needs. Regular feedback loops and experimentation ensure rules remain relevant without overcomplicating strategies.

Critics argue oversimplification risks ignoring nuanced scenarios, such as ethical dilemmas requiring deeper analysis. Others note that poorly designed rules may create rigidity. The authors counter that rules should balance clarity with flexibility, allowing judgment in exceptions.

Unlike exhaustive systems (e.g., SWOT analysis), Simple Rules focuses on speed and adaptability. It prioritizes “good enough” decisions over perfection, contrasting with data-heavy models. The approach aligns closer to agile methodologies than traditional strategic planning.

Yes. Examples include setting a stopping rule to end work at 6 PM for work-life balance or a prioritizing rule to tackle high-impact tasks first. The book highlights how such rules reduce decision fatigue and help individuals focus on long-term goals.

In an era of AI-driven complexity and remote work challenges, the book’s emphasis on adaptable clarity remains vital. Teams navigating hybrid environments or rapid tech shifts can use timing or coordination rules to maintain alignment without micromanagement.

Eisenhardt’s studies on high-velocity tech firms inform the book’s focus on agility. Her work shows how companies like Netflix use simple rules (e.g., “Prioritize data over opinions”) to outmaneuver competitors in unpredictable markets.

Key quotes include:

• “Complexity arises when systems have too many interdependent parts.”
• “Rules are tools to be adapted, not commandments to be followed.”
• “Simplicity accelerates action; action generates learning.”