The Brilliance of Simplicity in Recruitment
2026
–A Ten Part Series–
Part One
by
Bob Marshall
January 6, 2026
Part One – The Simplicity Principle
The human desire for simplicity is ancient—and it becomes most pronounced during periods of upheaval. History shows us that whenever society is disrupted by rapid change, complexity rises and clarity becomes scarce. In the Middle Ages, a time marked by revolutionary technologies such as the printing press and mechanical clocks (along with pandemics and social unrest), a Franciscan friar named William of Ockham issued a warning that still resonates today:
“Plurality should not be posited without necessity.”
His insight, now known as Ockham’s Razor, was a call to strip away the unnecessary and focus on what truly matters.
Fast forward to the modern era, and the challenge has only intensified—especially as we attempt to mesh humans and machines, two vastly different and inherently complex systems. Technology scales effortlessly. Humans do not. The danger isn’t complexity itself; it’s becoming overwhelmed by it. Avoiding that fate requires conscious discipline.
In the 20th century, the military offered a blunt but effective rallying cry to combat overengineering and confusion: KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid. The message was clear: complexity kills performance.
So what does simplicity look like in the 21st century?
While we instinctively understand the value of simplicity, we now need new language and new behaviors to reclaim it in a hyper-connected, always-on, data-dominated world. The Simplicity Principle places human psychology—attention spans, cognitive limits, decision fatigue—at the center of even the most digitized and scaled enterprises. It requires us to acknowledge an inconvenient truth: while machines may be limitless, people are not. In a world driven by data, simplicity is ultimately a people-centric discipline.
It’s no surprise that we now see widespread discussion about coping mechanisms for what’s often called “infobesity”—the 24/7 overload of information, alerts, dashboards, and noise.
Ironically, even many tech founders—the architects of the “always-on” culture—are now leading the charge to limit screen time, unplug devices, and push back against their own creations. The rise of the so-called techlash is not rebellion; it’s self-preservation.
The Simplicity Principle is both theory and practice.
We crave simplicity—but we must also work at it.
Living by KISS is a commitment to clarity and a deliberate resistance to decision fatigue—the well-documented condition where too many options reduce confidence, slow action, and degrade judgment. Complexity is easy to create and easy to spot. Simplicity, on the other hand, is often hiding in plain sight.
Apple remains a near-perfect example. Its products feel intuitive and elegant on the surface, even though the technology behind them is extraordinarily complex. That clarity is not accidental; it is designed.
When things are simplified, the resulting clarity can be both liberating and surprising. In my work, I often see clients suffering from what I call CAT Syndrome—Complexity, Anxiety, and Time poverty. They are buried under too many tools, too many platforms, too many priorities, and too little margin for thought.
They are hampered by indecision, overwhelmed by constant connectivity across devices, time zones, and competing demands. As a result, they question whether the decisions they do make are the right ones.
Those who successfully replace CAT with KISS—Keep It Simple, Stupid—begin to think and behave differently. They become more agile, more focused, and more intentional. They operate with a lighter touch. They feel less burdened and more in control.
People who live this way consistently follow six fundamental principles—principles that restore clarity, improve performance, and create better outcomes in both business and life.
And that’s where this series truly begins.
Next week: Part Two – The Six Fundamental Principles for those who follow Simplicity
Bob Marshall began his recruiting career over 45 years ago at MR in Reno, NV. In 1986 he established The Bob Marshall Group, International, where he has trained recruiters throughout the United States and also in the United Kingdom, Malta and Cyprus. With a dedication to executive recruiting, he continues to offer his proven training systems to individuals, firms, and private corporations both domestic and in select international territories. To learn more about his activities and descriptions of his products and services, contact him directly @770-898-5550/470-456-0386(cell); bob@themarshallplan.org; or visit his website @ www.TheMarshallPlan.org.
Bob Marshall
President
TBMG, International
247 Bryans Drive, Suite 100
McDonough, GA 30252-2513
770-898-5550
520-842-5550 (fax)