How do you navigative complexity?
First, know the difference between what is complicated and what is complex
“Dad, it’s complicated”
I have always been fascinated by the concept of complexity from a young age.
I would stare at my Rubik’ cube for hours, trying different combinations of twists and turns to solve it.
I admit, I was not very good at it but perseverance kept me re-analyzing the situation from different angles. Thinking “out of the box”, I resorted to removing the stickers and “solving” the cube to my parent’s amusement.
Fast forward many years later, and my kids came to me one day where they truly did solve the puzzle.
When I asked “how??”, they showed me the Rubik’ cube solver, a written step-by-step guide.
They later said to me, “Dad, it’s complicated”.
Complex vs. Complicated
Complicated problems 🧩
Complicated problems can be hard to solve but they are ultimately addressable with rules, processes and recipes. They may have many moving parts however, they operate in patterned ways.
Flying an airplane is complicated – with the right training and years of practice, you too can become a pilot!
Complex problems 🤯
Complex problems are at a whole different level.
In a complex system, the same starting conditions can produce different outcomes - it really depends on the interactions of the elements in the system.
We often hear of the complexity of the healthcare system, as it is dynamic, and many times, unpredictable in nature. This is partly due because is it comprised of multiple stakeholders, with varying roles and interests, such as patients, health care professionals, policy makers, industry and payors.
For complex problems, if you apply a standard recipe, your “dough won’t rise”.
Is your business challenge complicated or complex?
Take the time to first think thru the business challenge at hand.
Am I dealing with a complicated or complex business problem?
Complicated problems may require you to seek out people with deep technical expertise. People with the right expertise can usually design solutions that are easy to implement. Are you looking for a whiz to build that forecast model in Excel?
Complex challenges will likely require innovative responses. It will require deep understanding of the various interplays, how all elements interact amongst each other. The old playbook doesn’t apply here. The updated plan must have mobilized the right players and be supported by a strategic agility mindset.
Conclusion
🦉Complexity is not going away, it’s only accelerating.
Recognize what system you are in first, and realize that not every problem can be solved with linear thinking.
(I know something that is not too complicated to do…simply subscribe below, more to come 😉 )
About the Author:
Nick is passionate about solving complex healthcare challenges – he taps into over 25+ years of truly diverse healthcare experience, challenging the status quo - to ultimately define a clear strategic path forward and propel success. He has a passion to enable people and businesses to reach their full potential.
Proud Dad | Healthcare professional | Board member | Founder of Aktina Group Consulting