navigating complexity london 2016
TRANSCRIPT
Tobias Mayer — Agile in Covent Garden, 7th July 2016
Navigating Complexity
Tobias Mayer — Agile in Covent Garden, 7th July 2016
A Hammer is not a Screwdriver
System
1. a set of connected things or parts forming a complex whole
2. a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done
Ref: Oxford Dictionary
Over to YouWhat is Not a System?
There are Essentially Two Types of System
1. Mechanical 2. Organic
Mechanical Systems
Organic Systems
DiscernibleTransparentObjectiveHas finite elementsKnown end stateDeterministicEncourages statements of truth
“If this, then that”
Mechanical System
ComplexOpaqueSubjectiveHas non-finite elementsUnknown end-stateNondeterministicEncourages questions and observations
“If this, then what?”
Organic System
Characteristics of System Types
Mechanical OrganicDiscernibleTransparentObjectiveHas finite elementsKnown end stateDeterministicEncourage statements of truth — “If this, then that”
Complex OpaqueSubjectiveHas non-finite elementsUnknown end-stateNondeterministicEncourages questions and observations — “If this, then what?”
Over to YouIdentify and categorise
systems in your workplace
So what if we want to
a System? CHANGEINFLUENCEMANIPULATE CONTROL MANAGE !
DiscernibleTransparentObjectiveHas finite elementsKnown end stateDeterministicEncourages statements of truth
Mechanical System
Benefits from control
Responds to commanding leadership
Requires Experts
ComplexOpaqueSubjectiveHas non-finite elementsUnknown end-stateNondeterministicEncourages questions and observations
Organic System
Responds to guidance and nurturing
Benefits from releaseRequires artisans
Characteristics of System Types
Mechanical OrganicDiscernibleTransparentObjectiveHas finite elementsKnown end stateDeterministicStatements of truth “if this, then that”Requires experts Benefits from controlResponds to commanding leadership
Complex OpaqueSubjectiveHas non-finite elementsUnknown end-stateNondeterministicQuestions and observations “if this, then what?”Requires artisans Benefits from releaseResponds to guidance and nurturing
Over to YouAre you managing organic
systems mechanically?
Organic Systems are Complex
Always
For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple… and wrong. — H.L. Mencken
We accept this…
But what about this…
Or this…
Complex Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Nurturing Complexity
Complex Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Nurturing Complexity
Requirements Definition
Division of Labor
Work Breakdown
Accumulation Complex Problem
In contrast…
Complex Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Nurturing Complexity
Complex Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Juggling Complexity
Complex Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Juggling Complexity
Complex Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Juggling Complexity
Over to YouPick one of those ideas and
explore in your context
Let go of your old ideas — even the good ones
Superliminal Advertising
July Workshops
Storytelling for Better Presentations— 19th July
The Language of Empathy— 21st July
Venue: Thoughtbot, 15 Long Lane, London, EC1A