Thriving in Complex Times - How to Stay Relevant

If you have a look around the current business environment, it doesn't take long to see how technology has affected not only our lives, but also the way we work. Now more than ever the way we work is impacted by forces that are less tangible and controllable.

The ways in which we previously run our businesses and the processes that control them have not really changed despite the fact that the very nature of how we work in many roles is fundamentally different. So what do I mean by this?

What leaders can learn about mastering V.U.C.A from surfing

Waves are one of the most dynamic and constantly changing contexts you will ever find. They remain relatively static for large lengths of time as they cross the vast stretches of ocean, before finally building their momentum and exploding onto the shores.

Occasionally we are placed in the right place at the right time to harness and use their energy in creative and beneficial ways, not unlike surfing. At other times we can be quite unprepared for their aggressive arrival, as they rear up out of the depths and break upon us, while causing a great deal of stress and discomfort.

SYSTEMS IN EQUILIBRIUM – THE COMPLEXITY CRISIS

Have you ever wondered why all of a sudden collaboration is so important?

As the rate of change has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, so has the complexity of nearly all leadership and management roles and their associated task demands. Managers and leaders now have more moving parts than ever. Put simply complexity breed’s vulnerability.

Is your strategic thinking that strategic?

Are you walking into the future looking backwards?

I have the conversation about strategic thinking a couple of times a week, and every time the first question I have is:

"Tell me what you mean by Strategic?"

The response is nearly always the same, a list of activities or a ‘To Do’ list that is either operational or tactical, and not really strategic as all. At best I would estimate that less than 5% of conversations actually refer to true strategic thinking,