The Antidote for Complexity

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I’ve written about how complexity can be a problem and a challenge for us.

Which begs the question, what is the antidote for complexity? Given that complexity is, well, complex, there isn’t a complete answer I can share in a few hundred words. But there is a short answer that points the way.

The antidote to complexity is clarity.

I know, if the situation is complex, it is hard to gain clarity, but when we are clear about the things we need more clarity on, it will help. While the situation may have many components and tentacles, when we have clarity in these areas, we will begin to create an antidote for complexity.

Overarching Objective

When the situation is complex, the first thing we need is a clear understanding of where we are going and why that matters. This will help us ask better questions about the situation and point us towards the next steps that serve our biggest objectives. For objectives to be helpful in battling complexity, they must be understood by everyone involved.

Do you know your overarching objective (and do others understand it too)?

Picking the Priority

Notice I am using priority as a singular. Often complexity is multiplied when an organization, team, or individual has a long list of priorities. If you have 5, 7 (or more) “priorities,” you have none. Clarity comes when we know what is at the top of the list (the true definition of a priority).?

Is your top priority clear?

Once we know what that is, we can start to…

Search for Simplification

Even if the landscape is muddy and the options and risks are many, we must begin to simplify in ways to help us move forward. There can be risks in oversimplification, but seldom are those risks greater than doing nothing in the face of the complexity. With clear objectives and priorities, simplification will be more helpful and less risky.

How can we simplify the situation and our reasonable options?

Once you have a clearer view of the situation, you can begin to decide what to do next, which leads to two more pieces of clarification advice.

Consideration Criteria

When we have multiple possible next steps, it can be difficult to decide between them (which is at the crux of our complexity dilemma). When you have some criteria for your decision process, it provides clarity and a path forward. Make sure the consideration criteria are shared by all involved. If some value impact on current work, but others are focused on cost, and others are looking at possible upsides, each of those perspectives could lead to a different plausible decision. If the consideration criteria are clear, it will help the group to be on the same page as they filter possibilities.

What criteria matter most in making your decisions?

Make a Move

Complexity challenges us to decide what to do next. With clarity in objectives, priorities, a level of simplification and clear criteria for making decisions, we prepare ourselves to move forward. In the face of the complexity, should we go right, left, up or down? Our next move, whether in one of those directions or to stay where we are, will now be made with greater insight and confidence.

Given the uncertainty we face, but with a clear picture of our goals, what should we do next?

These ingredients that constitute the antidote for complexity apply to us as we deal with complexity as an organization or team but apply to us individually too. Bring these ingredients together and you will be able to see complexity more clearly and improve your odds of success as you navigate that complexity.

A version of this article was first posted on our blog?

What Do You Think?

Share your thoughts in the comments – How do you feel about complexity?

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