Complex or complicated – our role as leaders?
Caroline Creven Fourrier, PhD
DE&I change-maker. Embedding Diversity, Equity & Inclusion throughout the value chain. Chief Diversity Officer at Roche
With Covid, we saw traditional managers struggling in an environment with no or limited framework and processes.
On the opposite, natural born leaders dealt with ambiguity more comfortably, be it knowing how to embrace hybrid working model or how to let go of things, to be less controlling and empower teams more to find their own solutions.
True though: energy needs to be at an all-time high to shift and embrace those new expectations of leaders and shift the approach.
And as leaders and associates find their new ways and navigate this new norm, another trait of leadership is becoming increasingly important: dealing with complex and complicated environment.
I’m intentionally distinguishing the two here.
I see the environment we evolve in becoming increasingly complex with many aspects to consider and interrelated parts.
And I also often wonder whether we are not letting this external complexity invite itself into organizations, typically in the form of complicated projects or set up.
Are we at times allowing for a complex environment to become an excuse for complicated solutions internally?
Shouldn’t we be thriving for greater simplification? Increased integration? So as not to add to the existing complex and changing environment?
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I personally truly believe impact resides in simplicity...
Think about it for a second...
What inspires you? Makes you want to get involved and pour all your energy in a particular project?
Something that is fuzzy? Tortuous? Difficult to understand? Unclear where you could make an impact? if you have any?
Or something that comprises of many parts? Intricated but with different challenges to address, and with a definable outcome?
I am a problem-solver.
I thrive in complex environment but I also don’t want to waste people’s energy with over-engineered solutions.
Could we not ambition to make the complicated more simple?
Simple is just hard enough... :)
Medical Science Liaison Associate Director, Immunology
3 年Great article! I believe we can further unleash the power of our people and even our children when we help them envision a clear path to rise above the noise, control their energy and focus on what matters most. Thank you for sharing Caroline!
Thank you for sharing, Caroline! As we collectively navigate an ever-changing work environment, your advice to keep things simple when we can is much appreciated. I've found that sometimes the best way to deal with a complex and complicated environment is to step back, take a deep breath and?ask yourself two questions: What is the main objective? And how do we generate most benefit for customers and patients? This approach has allowed me to save energy and time, and given me the extra focus to apply to getting the outcome I'm after.
Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare Expert | Speaker | TEDx | Mentor | Ecosystems Leaders Mindset
3 年Great post! I think Simple is the new competitive advantage
Health logistics Consultant- Health Data Analytics - Marketing and sales pharma
3 年I think complexity is the result of lack of obvious correct decision, sometimes managers like to complicate the simple to give it more shape and value instead of simplifying it by engaging their teams in the decision to brainstorm together and make it simple. Last but not least, I echo you that impact resides in simplicity... Great article ??