Navigating Complexity

Develop a decision making framework by examining linear and non-linear systems and their domains, guiding problem solving across different situations.

Learn how linear systems provide structure, stability, and predictability through cause-and-effect relationships, enabling repeatable outcomes and practical problem solving via manuals and YouTube guides.

Explore how nonlinear systems form networks of cause and effect, making them less predictable and evolving over time. See how organization, company culture, employee morale, and crime illustrate complex interactions.

Navigate nonlinear systems built from networks of linkages and feedback loops, where patterns of interaction form emergent themes in problem solving and evolve over time.

Classify common workplace issues as linear or nonlinear using a hands-on activity, then discuss the results with your team. This activity primes you for applying the upcoming decision-making framework.

Categorize problems into linear system and non-linear system using examples like leave form, exchange rates, income statements, and company policies; highlight network effects and decision making.

Define a decision making framework by distinguishing linear and nonlinear systems and exploring four domains: simple, complicated, complex, and chaotic, and how to address problems within each domain.

Explore the simple domain in the linear system, where causes and effects are repeatable and predictable, and apply rules for leave forms and equipment fixes.

Explore the complicated domain, where cause and effect remain predictable but require more analysis and expert input to understand nuances like tax calculations.

Navigate the complex domain, where non-linear networks create unpredictable cause and effect. Gather data, identify emerging themes, and apply sensemaking to address evolving problems like employee motivation.

Navigate the chaotic domain by taking decisive action and observing outcomes, since rapid change makes cause-and-effect and network effects unintelligible.

Navigate the decision making framework across simple to chaotic domains, gathering data, sense making, and emergent themes to implement actions that stabilize and resolve evolving complex issues.

Organize items from linear and non-linear exercises into simple, complicated, complex, and chaotic domains to decide appropriate actions, acknowledging that some problems require expert input or data analysis.

Categorize problems into chaotic, simple, complex, or complicated, and apply targeted actions. Use the problem solving process: data gathering, sense-making, and informed steps, primarily for complex and sometimes complicated domains.

Define the problem statement and frame the system to set scope, gather data via interviews and surveys from multiple perspectives, identify themes, and develop recommendations, action plans, and monitor progress.

Define the problem by understanding the statement and framing the system within your department. Gather diverse perspectives from team members to inform data collection and next steps.

Explore data collection methods—interviews, workshops, observations, and surveys—to gather rich input for problems. Personal touch via interviews or workshops yields deeper data than surveys.

Pose two data collection question types: quantitative rating scales for easy averaging, and qualitative open-ended questions for richer insights into department communication.

Make sense of quantitative and qualitative data using an affinity diagram to cluster issues and reveal themes, guiding findings on communication challenges in the department.

Identify and summarize findings from data by analyzing quantitative averages and clustering qualitative data into themes. Capture key findings on a whiteboard to inform problem issues and next steps.

Review findings with your team to generate actions and recommendations, map each into a decision making framework across simple, complicated, and complex domains, and assign tasks with deadlines and responsibilities.

Review the decision making framework and problem solving processes as essential managerial skills for the future. Explore other courses on Udemy to continue building these capabilities.