How can you lead in complex organizations?

1 Systems thinking

Systems thinking is the ability to understand how different elements of an organization interact and influence each other, as well as the external factors that affect the system as a whole. Systems thinking helps you to identify patterns, leverage points, and feedback loops that can enhance or hinder the performance and outcomes of your organization. To develop systems thinking, you need to adopt a holistic and multidisciplinary perspective, ask probing questions, and use tools and frameworks such as causal loop diagrams, stock and flow models, and systems archetypes.

2 Adaptive leadership

Adaptive leadership is the ability to respond to changing and uncertain situations by mobilizing people to tackle complex challenges and learn from the process. Adaptive leadership involves diagnosing the situation, identifying the technical and adaptive aspects of the problem, and distributing the responsibility and authority among the stakeholders. To practice adaptive leadership, you need to foster a culture of experimentation, innovation, and learning, as well as manage the tensions, conflicts, and losses that may arise from change.

3 Collaborative leadership

Collaborative leadership is the ability to build and sustain relationships with diverse and interdependent actors within and outside the organization, and to facilitate collective action and shared decision-making. Collaborative leadership involves creating a shared vision and goals, establishing trust and respect, and leveraging the strengths and resources of each partner. To enhance collaborative leadership, you need to develop your communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills, as well as your emotional intelligence and cultural awareness.

4 Ethical leadership

Ethical leadership is the ability to act with integrity, honesty, and responsibility, and to promote ethical values and standards in the organization and beyond. Ethical leadership involves being aware of your own values and biases, as well as the ethical dilemmas and implications of your actions and decisions. To demonstrate ethical leadership, you need to model ethical behavior, encourage ethical conduct, and hold yourself and others accountable for ethical outcomes.

5 Transformative leadership

Transformative leadership is the ability to inspire and empower others to create positive and lasting change in the organization and society. Transformative leadership involves articulating a compelling vision and purpose, challenging the status quo and dominant assumptions, and fostering a sense of agency and ownership among the followers. To cultivate transformative leadership, you need to develop your charisma, storytelling, and motivational skills, as well as your social and environmental consciousness.

Leading in complex organizations is not easy, but it is rewarding and fulfilling. By applying these aspects of leadership, you can enhance your effectiveness and impact as a leader in complex organizations.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?