Law of Triviality

Groups may spend excessive time discussing simple minor issues while giving too little attention to complex important ones.

Complex decisions require expertise and create uncertainty. Simple topics are easier to understand, safer to discuss and offer more opportunities for visible participation.

• A team quickly approves a major architecture decision but debates button colours for an hour.
• A budget meeting spends more time discussing office snacks than expensive infrastructure.
• A committee gives little attention to security risks but argues extensively about presentation formatting.
• A planning session focuses on naming a feature instead of validating whether users need it.

• Ask: 'Is discussion time proportional to impact?'
• Time-box minor decisions.
• Address complex risks first.
• Assign an accountable decision owner.