Complexity thinking encourages flexibility and collaboration, breaking down rigid frameworks in favor of open-source approaches.
John Boyd's work should be repurposed and modified to fit the current context, embracing new perspectives and approaches.
Timing is crucial when introducing new ideas and approaches, waiting for the market to be ready and receptive for change.
Deep dives
The Shift from Scientific Management to Complexity
In the 80s, there was a transition from scientific management to systems thinking, which brought about the concepts of business process reengineering and the learning organization. However, these approaches were rigid and lacked flexibility. Now, the shift is towards complexity thinking, which takes an ecological metaphor and recognizes the evolution of systems. This shift is evident in the agile space, where there is a move towards open source and collaborative approaches rather than rigid frameworks like Scrum. The goal is to break down methods into smaller components and allow for recombination, taking a complexity design principle. The key is to recognize that systems evolve and there is no one right way to approach them.
Boyd's Contribution and the Need for Modification
John Boyd's work needs greater recognition and development, but this recognition should come through modification rather than simply creating a rigid interpretation. Boyd's work was dynamic and ever-evolving, and it should be repurposed to fit the current context and understanding. It is important to acknowledge that the field of complexity thinking is changing and evolving, and to be open to new perspectives and approaches. This is a time for small consultancies and collaborative efforts, as the large consultancies struggle to adapt to the complexity business model. The focus should be on working in groups and embracing open-source approaches.
The Importance of Timing and Market Readiness
Timing is crucial when introducing new ideas and approaches. It is important to wait for the market to be ready and receptive to the changes being proposed. Radical shifts should only be pursued when the environment is conducive to change. It is essential to recognize when the landscape is shifting and adapt accordingly. This is the time for small consultancies to make their mark and challenge the traditional approaches to project management and consulting. By being patient and seizing the right opportunities, innovative and effective approaches can gain traction and bring about real change.
The Need for Openness and Collaboration
Openness and collaboration are essential in complex and adaptive systems. Rather than promoting rigid frameworks or closed approaches, there is a growing understanding that solutions must be flexible, adaptable, and open to multiple perspectives. The ability to decompose and recombine methods allows for greater customization and responsiveness to specific contexts. Open-source approaches enable the sharing of knowledge and the development of collective intelligence. By embracing openness and collaboration, we can harness the power of diverse perspectives and create more effective and responsive solutions.
Recognizing the Evolution of Systems and Societies
Complexity thinking emphasizes the evolution and dynamics of systems and societies. It recognizes that there is no one-size-fits-all solution and that different approaches are needed at different times and for different circumstances. It challenges the notion of an ideal system or a utopia and encourages a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of human systems. It calls for a more nuanced and contextual approach, one that embraces diversity, adapts to change, and recognizes the interconnectedness of various factors. By understanding and working with the evolutionary nature of systems and societies, we can create more effective and sustainable solutions.
Dave Snowden is the creator of the Cynefin Framework and originated the design of SenseMaker®, the world’s first distributed ethnography tool. He is the lead author of Managing Complexity (and Chaos) in Times of Crisis: A Field Guide for Decision-makers, a shared effort between the Joint Research Centre (JRC), the European Commission’s science and knowledge service, and the Cynefin Centre.
Mark, Ponch, and Dave have a wide ranging talk about Dave’s work and its connection to the work and theories of John Boyd.
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