Leading Through Complexity

Rapid technological advances, post-pandemic economic recovery, and geopolitical events make leadership in 2023 more challenging than ever. 

In the past, solving complicated problems demonstrated great leadership. However,  leaders who can only solve complicated problems and cannot navigate complexity may find themselves in deep water.  

Complicated

Can be untangled with knowledge and effort. Sometimes known as technical problems. 

Complex

Requires adaptive thinking and a nuanced understanding of the context. Sometimes known as adaptive challenges. 

Relying solely on expertise and established procedures can prove insufficient in a complex environment. Failing to recognise the difference can lead to misguided solutions overlooked opportunities, and unexpected consequences. 

As a Business Psychologist, I coach leaders in developing these skills. Here, I can share an example of the behaviours exhibited by those who are skilled in navigating complexity.

System Thinkers:

These leaders can analyse complex situations by understanding how various factors relate to each other for a holistic view of the bigger picture.

Adaptive Problem Solvers:

These leaders quickly adjust strategies and approaches when faced with unexpected changes, integrating new information and insights into decision-making processes.

Scenario Planners:

These leaders anticipate potential scenarios and their implications. They create strategies to address different outcomes and reduce the impact of uncertainty.  

Ambiguity Embracers: 

These leaders make well-informed decisions despite incomplete information and remain composed in uncertain situations.

Thirsty Learners:

These leaders continuously seek to expand their knowledge, embrace new information and technologies and encourage a culture of ongoing learning in their teams (they allow time for learning)

Adaptive Communicators:

Effective communication becomes paramount in complex environments. These leaders can distil complex ideas into understandable messages tailored to different audiences.

Developing the ability and confidence to navigate complexity is not achieved in a classroom, but there are several ways that leaders can develop these skills. 

Cross-Functional Exposure

Creating opportunities for leaders to be exposed to different business units or departments can help develop a deeper perspective.  

Experiential Learning 

Give leaders stretch assignments where they can practice handling increasingly complex situations. Allow them to fail safely and learn from each experience. 

Simulations and role plays can help to create a safe place to navigate uncertainty, practice complex decision making and adapting strategies. 

Shadowing and Mentorship

Pair leaders with mentors who have a track record of handling complexity skilfully. Regular discussion and shadowing opportunities will increase leaders' confidence. 

Coaching

Provide leaders with professional coaching focused on enhancing their adaptive thinking, resilience and decision-making abilities. 

Links to further reading:

Dunn, R., (2022), Adaptive leadership: Leading through complexity. ISEA, 48 (1), pg 31. 

Institute of Coaching: How can we effectively support leaders who are less capable, because of their level of development and degree of awareness, to act effectively in the face of complexity?

Harvard Business Review: 6 strategies for leading through uncertainty.