Immersing leaders into complexity
When dealing with complexity in decision-making, it's crucial to navigate a landscape where there's often no single right answer. The challenge arises when decision-makers seek simplicity in situations that inherently lack straightforward solutions. Whether it's crafting effective policies, making strategic investments, or managing a diverse portfolio of initiatives, the complexity of these tasks cannot be oversimplified.
When our decision makers seek this simplification but the work simply does not allow for that, how do we move forward in a way that creates genuine understanding and progress?
With some creative thinking and a little courage, we can find ways to immerse funders, leaders and decision-makers in the complexity and navigate the dynamic and interconnectedness of the issues.
An experience that worked
5 years ago I was assisting a government Ministry in navigating conflicting views within a coalition government. The challenge was to align disparate goals: NZ First prioritised regional economic development at any cost, the Greens aimed to reduce road freight, and Labour sought a better balance of transport modalities.
The overlaps in what the Ministers wanted were small, so how on earth could we advise them on what to do, and create a clear direction forward?
Rather than presenting conventional options, we employed a more interactive approach. Visual aids, such as axes graphing competing outcomes, were used to immerse decision-makers in the complexity. Rather than providing scenarios, we explored the interconnected nature of outcomes. This approach shifted the discussion from a 'simple solution' mindset to an exploration of tensions and opposing forces at play, and the chain of consequences of heading in any one direction.
As decision-makers delved into the complexities, there were some heated exchanges. They could not escape or opt out of the mess, and in staying with it they discovered the networked effects of changes and the need to avoid delaying difficult discussions. The process not only revealed boundaries for compromise but also set the stage for future discussions, recognising the dynamic and interdependent nature of decision-making.
In essence, immersing decision-makers in complexity requires a shift from seeking simplicity to understanding the intricate web of dependencies. This approach needs some creative thinking and courage from those providing advice. Well thought through graphics, illustrations, spectrums, experiences and questions are useful tools to navigate a discussion. The reward is keeping decision-makers grounded in practical realities, steering them away from ideological debates or 'who can shout loudest' contests.
Tools to try
In your own sphere of influence, what complex decisions are you currently facing, and how might you apply the principles discussed here to navigate through the intricacies? As you reflect on the challenges at hand, remember that managing complexity isn't just a one-time effort but an ongoing journey of learning and adaptation. How can you transform the way decisions are made in your domain, steering away from simplicity and towards a more nuanced, complexity-embracing approach?
Here are some ideas:
Use visual aids, such as graphs or charts, to illustrate competing outcomes and interdependencies. Visual tools can simplify complex information and facilitate clearer understanding.
Explore the interconnected nature of outcomes. Instead of seeking isolated solutions, encourage decision-makers to understand the ripple effects of their choices.
Immerse decision-makers in the complexity by facilitating discussions that move them around different viewpoints. This can help them appreciate the nuances and trade-offs involved in complex decisions.
Highlight the value of finding boundaries where compromise can be created. Emphasise that compromise doesn't imply sacrificing principles but rather identifying common ground that serves the overall goals.
Draw on real life experiences and real world impacts on people. These can turn wordy abstractions into powerful understanding.
Please share your insights and experiences, and let's collectively navigate the complexities that define our decision-making landscapes.
