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Dear Michel,
"For every complex problem there is a solution
that is simple, neat and wrong" H.L.Mencken
The word complexity gets used at every turn by politicians, policy-makers, managers, community leaders and so on, usually as an excuse for making a poor decision or for reaching only a partial solution to a problem. The trouble is:
- By default, we tend to look for simple linear solutions to problems
- Linear approches always reduce or avoid the complexity of an issue
- Complexity, by its very nature, can't be managed or solved
Management thinkers have turned to complexity theory for a new methodology that takes account of our interconnected and rapidly changing environment. But, when it comes to putting the theory into practice, much of it can feel about as clear as mud.
According to Patrick Beautement and Christine Broenner, complexity practice isn't rocket science. By demystifying the theory, their practical Approach gives us the confidence to take 2 key steps:
Step 1: to embrace complexity rather than try to solve or avoid it.
Step 2: to understand and apply familiar terms like emergence, co-evolution, self-organisation, the edge of chaos, etc. in our work and daily lives.
Part 1 of this 2-part Guide evaluates and explains:
- the utility and limitations of academic complexity
- how to be positioned, by design, to be adaptive and able to engage with constantly evolving situations
- how to engage with dynamic phenomena on the fly
- how to use their Approach and Framework for 'putting complexity to work'
In Part 2 the practical application of the Approach is then considered in relation to six case studies. Each case study explains how to understand and work with the underlying complexity of that particular context.
The book is written for managers, project managers, team leaders, 'change leaders', strategists, policy makers and concerned citizens as well as university students from a broad set of disciplines.
Read more about Complexity Demystified and save £7.00 if you buy it.
Thanks for reading,
Michelle Smith
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About Triarchy Press
Triarchy Press is an independent publisher of books and pamphlets, focusing on organisations, how they work and the way we work in them.
admin@triarchypress.com ~ www.triarchypress.com
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