Complexity is alive

In everyday language, we often use "complicated" and "complex" interchangeably. But what do these words really mean? And more importantly, how can understanding the difference between the two help us better grasp the constantly evolving world we live in?

Complicated vs Complex

A complicated situation involves many known parameters, with rules that may be difficult to understand—but the outcomes are generally predictable or probable (e.g., building an airplane, filing a tax return, constructing a house).

A complex situation, on the other hand, refers to systems where the rules of the game seem blurry and subjective, making the outcomes unpredictable (e.g., addressing climate issues, working in a hybrid and multinational environment… falling in love!).

Making the distinction… to act more wisely

When it’s COMPLICATED

It’s time to seek out best practices. And if no best practices exist yet, we get to work: observing, analyzing, and understanding the rules of the system. When needed, we bring in experts to help define optimized processes and support structured decision-making.

In a complicated world, effective functioning requires a leader with a clear vision and well-defined objectives. A solid structure must be put in place to clarify roles, decision-making processes, and project monitoring—complete with timelines, specific tasks, and measurable quantitative results. A hierarchical management style tends to fit well in this kind of environment.

When it’s COMPLEX

It’s time to ground ourselves—feet firmly planted in the here and now—and engage all our senses. We need to be attuned to the world that is taking shape in the moment, in order to sense what wants to emerge, and anticipate what the future might bring. Answers emerge through action, which is why we observe, test continuously, and stay close to people who can offer diverse perspectives on the situation.

In a complex world, a leader needs to reconnect with their intuition, hold a strong and clear intention, and regularly check whether the direction still makes sense—while openly embracing the mistakes that come with experimentation!

New Challenges, New Approaches

The truth is, we’re evolving in an increasingly complex and uncertain world.

We often hear the term polycrisis to describe the many layers of challenges we’re facing, and the multiple known and interconnected factors for which no clear solutions seem to exist.

The sharp rise in complexity in today’s world is forcing us to rethink our old ways of doing things—because they simply no longer work!

New methodologies are emerging to navigate complex environments. What they have in common is:

• Iterative processes (e.g., Agile methods);

• Horizontal teams, where everyone contributes according to the situation;

• Decentralized decision-making processes;

• Frameworks that provide structure without limiting creativity;

• High levels of transparency and information sharing.

Learning from Nature to Navigate Complexity

Since the world of complexity is constantly changing, we must let go of “best practices” and tried-and-true recipes.

Today, the frameworks that help us make sense of things often come from metaphorical models inspired by the living world—where complexity is the norm.

Here are a few that inspire me and that I often use:

• The cycle of the seasons, to illustrate the stages of a project;

• Survival mechanisms rooted in species diversity, to highlight the importance of inclusion and diversity;

• The many roles within an ecosystem, as a reminder that humility is the ability to act according to the context—regardless of status or position;

• The seed of a plant, to remind us to honor our personal authenticity;

• A murmuration of birds, to show that coherence doesn’t always require a leader—just a few guiding principles;

• Plants that won’t grow faster if we pull on the stem, to cultivate patience;

• The skeleton or inner fiber of a tree, to show that structure can be flexible;

• The life cycle of plants and animals, to remind us that every stage matters—and there’s no such thing as good or bad.Apprendre à danser avec la complexité

En adoptant une approche expérimentale, en développant des compétences humaines adaptées et en reconnaissant la complexité du monde vivant qui nous entoure, nous pouvons surmonter les obstacles et trouver des solutions innovantes pour l'avenir.

C'est un voyage passionnant qui nous attend, et c'est en travaillant ensemble, avec ouverture, empathie, humilité et flexibilité, que nous pourrons relever les défis complexes qui se présentent à nous.

By embracing an experimental mindset, developing the right human skills, and recognizing the complexity of the living world around us, we can overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions for the future.

It’s an exciting journey that lies ahead—and it’s by working together, with openness, empathy, humility, and flexibility, that we’ll be able to rise to the complex challenges we face.

Further reading

• Reinventing organisation, by Frederic Laloux – on new organizational models.

• To go beyond “complicated” vs “complex” and learn more about the five types of environments and the ideal approach for each one, explore the Cynefin Framework 

• To discover key human skills for a complex world: The Inner Development Goals Framework