For any phenomenon there will be a multitude of factors that caused the phenomenon. Therefore, any attempt to explain that phenomenon by invoking a single variable will always be wrong, and worse, misleading.

This is an exceedingly important element. We constantly look to change something by altering a single variable, then end up wondering why the results don’t change. It’s simple, though. No single variable, on its own, is responsible for any singl result. There are countless examples.

Here’s one. Managers and HR are always looking to increase workplace performance, and generally they go about it by doing one or a very few limited things. It never works. Why? Because workplace performance is affected by hundreds of factors, so obviously, doing something like offering a training workshop, or increasing benefits, will fail.

This concept is embedded in systems theory, which posits that you cannot understand something unless you understand the broader system or context within which the thing exists.

In addition, people tend to have difficulty processing the influences of a number of variables, particularly when the variables interact with each other. So, to reduce cognitive load, since the brain is an information reduction machine, given complex explanations, and simple ones, people will almost always choose the simple, single focus explanation.

So, next time you think about questions like:

• Why did the Yankees not win the world series?
• Why is my business revenue dropping?
• Why won’t she go out on a date with me?

remember that a single, simple explanation is as likely to mislead you as to help.