Transformation Is Often More About Subtraction Than Addition — Marcus Buckingham
Created at: May 2, 2025
Transformation is often more about subtraction than addition. — Marcus Buckingham
Essence of True Transformation
Buckingham suggests transformation is achieved by removing obstacles, distractions, or unnecessary elements rather than endlessly accumulating new ones. This is reminiscent of Michelangelo's famous assertion that he 'saw the angel in the marble and carved until [he] set him free,' implying that art—and change—involves taking away what isn't essential (as noted in Giorgio Vasari's *Lives of the Artists*, 1550).
The Role of Simplification
Subtraction often clarifies and strengthens an individual, process, or organization. In Steve Jobs’ return to Apple in 1997, he cut the company’s sprawling product lineup to focus on a few core offerings, which proved transformational for Apple’s future (as documented in Walter Isaacson's *Steve Jobs*, 2011).
Letting Go of Limiting Beliefs
Personal transformation can hinge on discarding self-doubt or outdated assumptions. In Viktor Frankl’s *Man’s Search for Meaning* (1946), survivors found strength not by adding new skills, but by letting go of certain fears and focusing on meaning, which allowed their true selves to emerge.
Minimalism in Practice
Subtraction is a foundational principle in minimalism, where removing excess leads to greater fulfillment and creativity. Fumio Sasaki, in *Goodbye, Things* (2015), recounts how his life improved not by buying more, but by letting go—creating space for experiences and relationships.
Relevance in Leadership and Teams
In organizations, focusing on subtraction can mean eliminating outdated practices, redundant meetings, or unhelpful policies. Buckingham, in his own work on strengths-based leadership (*First, Break All the Rules*, 1999), emphasizes removing barriers so people can focus on what they do best rather than piling on new initiatives.