Few can deny that we live in chaotic times. But, are they really as chaotic as many would have you believe?
When I studied complexity theory at Warwick Business School, I learned that chaos is little more than unrecognised patterns. Which suggests a major opportunity, if you are able to believe this and do something about it.
What if, you could recognise those patterns before anyone else does, or at least, be up there with the leaders as more certainty begins to emerge?
How much easier would life be when if you could see what is most likely to happen, and then prepare for it before everyone else.
Pipe dream, fantasy or doable? Well, that’s up to you.
Unaided, most people will probably never be able to get there. Unable to equip themselves with the insight and knowledge necessary to determine the best strategy, either for their organisation, team or themselves.
Which is another darned good reason why it is worth investing the time in building your capability. Your crystal ball gazing (as others may view it) would put you well ahead of your competition!
Here are seven critical points to bear in mind as you develop your capability:-
- Reading the politics of chaos is exactly the same process and the politics of normal, though some factors are exaggerated, such as speed and consequence. Relax back on the simple processes of enquiry, move it faster and enjoy the process.
- Remember that politics can simply be thought of as the decision-making processes, at individual and group levels. Taking this perspective will help to alleviate some of the emotional noise and allow you to be more clinical in your analysis.
- Be extra careful during your enquiries to recognise the difference between fact and opinion. You need both, but need to regard each with weighted significance. The source of both fact and opinion will always be influenced by agendas, so they need to be understood too.
- Be wary of the detail. Obsessing about facts, or trying to understand the multitude of opinions can take you further away from the blindingly obvious. Before you make any big decisions of your own, sit back and look at the bigger picture.
- Don’t be afraid to hold (even if you don’t express) a view that runs in the opposite direction to what others think. Big, bold, political moves usually catch the majority off-guard, partly because they are so consumed with the opinions of the collective majority.
- You cannot – ever – safely do this without engaging with people, lots of people. But, you don’t necessarily need to share what you are learning or the conclusions you are beginning to form. Sure, there has to be some exchange, but take care.
- Relationships matter even more, and as consequences climb, trust is far more volatile so keep a watchful eye and work hard to keep critical relationships strong and productive. If you cannot, or should not trust a source, awareness of that fact will keep you safe(r), though not as safe as if you maintained trust.
There are two reasons why I wanted to share these seven ideas with you today.
Firstly, as I highlighted several months ago, a political storm is brewing, and that could hit you and you need to be ready.
Secondly, next Tuesday, I’m doing an advanced webinar on this topic for Warwick Business School and you are welcome to come and join us there. During this session I will be expanding on the points above and sharing some of my latest ideas and practical advice to help you to read and respond to whatever is going on around your at the moment.
Just book in at Warwick Business School (it’s free) if you’re ready to raise your game.
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