The Kaleidoscopic Worldview as a New Framework for Strategy and Leadership

The Illusion of Linearity

If linearity were the natural setting of this reality, would other viewpoints and perspectives emerge?

Would art, science and philosophy debate the nature of reality?

Would anyone engage in heated arguments over whose view is more complete or true?

Probably not.

And reality would be predictable and confined within set boundaries.

Something straight out of a dystopian novel.

When one aspect is forced to become the accepted paradigm, there’s always someone or something that emerges to challenge it, often sacrificing itself at the altar of greater understanding hoping the world will see and change.

History glorifies these figures or obscures them with made-up narratives, but the reality is forever changed by their presence and acts of rebellious valor.

This reality has come a long way and the only constant has been the reemergence of different perspectives challenging the existing narratives.

These challenges have often been met with violence, only for the new ideas to later be accepted as the norm and then challenged again by future generations.

So, what does this say about your reality then?

Maybe it’s not as linear and predictable as it’s thought to be.

Maybe it’s so vast and multifaceted that it’s impossible to grasp its grandeur at once.

Maybe its kaleidoscopic nature is meant to be explored with a curious mind.

And maybe what seems most comfortable is actually the greatest hindrance to progress and discovery.

Whoever was brave enough to ask questions and view reality with curious eyes brought in new paradigms as a reminder that flow and change are the only trustworthy companions in this dance of life.

But the real challenge lies in reconciling the differences and uniting multiple dimensions into one while preserving the richness of each aspect.

And maybe that’s what Cubism was trying to tell.

Systemic Wisdom of Cubism

Cubism emerged as an artistic movement that offered a new aesthetic and a shift in perception.

It dismantled the linear perspective and introduced fragmentation, multiplicity and simultaneity.

Objects were captured from multiple vantage points and angles at once, capturing their essence in a richer, more multifaceted manner.

Cubism introduced a mosaic of perspectives, each contributing its own shade of meaning while highlighting the completeness of the whole.

To think cubistically is to transcend narrow, singular perspectives and see the entire cohesive system.

Redefining Strategy Through Multi-Perspective Thinking

Cubism challenges linearity and myopic vision and introduces a multidimensional approach to understanding the world.

It’s aligned with a systems mindset where the interplay of parts creates a whole that’s greater than the sum of its components.

This multi-perspective approach allows you as a leader to analyze complexity, challenge assumptions and synthesize diverse viewpoints to create innovative solutions.

So it becomes a new framework for navigating volatility and uncertainty.

Simplification, though tempting, may not be the best path forward. Accepting continuous transformation and complexity will create better opportunities for growth.

Apply Cubism to your strategy and leadership to lead with a newfound worldview.

Design multifaceted strategies.

Go beyond past success or current trends.

Integrate diverse inputs.

Build an R&D center within your organization to scan for signals and identify future trends. Use scenario planning to account for various potential futures and apply systems intelligence to map out the impact of changes.

Transition to perspective-taking in teams

Incorporate diverse perspectives and cross-departmental collaboration in the overall process.

Create a dialogue between different parts of your organization to integrate all differing viewpoints. It will help create a more cohesive strategy and everyone will feel their contribution are valued and considered.

Redefine problem-solving.

Break free from the chains of short-termism and the tendency to focus only on the most apparent issues.

Deconstruct challenges into fragments and examine each from multiple perspectives. Find the root causes and fix them, going beyond surface-level observations.

For example, declining market share might not be just a sales problem. It could also stem from customer behavior, competitors’ strategy, tech trends or flawed internal processes.

Be brave and turn your strategies into dynamic entities and allow real-time adjustments as new perspectives and data emerge.

To integrate a multi-perspective view and entertain different possibilities without being trapped by any of them, you need to have a strong center and axes, your strategic vision, direction and core business identity.

With this in place, you’ll have the courage to challenge conventional thinking and you’ll develop confidence in your ability to capture the essence of a multidimensional world.

Join me for more reflections on how art, science, philosophy, and spirituality intersect in strategy and leadership in next week’s edition. #alchemyinsystems