The Next Next Common Sense
learning, application experiences, and reflection cycles tailored to each leader’s development stage. This approach creates what Accenture calls “capability momentum”—progressive building of complexity leadership skills through interconnected experiences. A structured development program for complexity leadership in- cludes several key components: Integrated learning architecture. The program connects concep- tual foundations, skill building, and practical application rather than treat- ing them as separate activities. When technology company Microsoft implements its “Leading in Complexity” curriculum, it creates explicit linkages between theoretical modules, skill practices, and on-the-job ap- plication, reinforcing learning through multiple modalities. Development cohorts. Leaders progress through the program in sta- ble groups that create community and shared language. When healthcare organization Cleveland Clinic develops physician leaders, it forms cohorts that stay together for the entire development journey, creating peer sup- port networks that extend beyond formal program activities. Reflection rituals. The program builds in regular structured reflec- tion rather than focusing exclusively on content delivery. When profes- sional services firm Deloitte develops partners, it incorporates “Reflective Practice” sessions between formal modules, where leaders examine how they’ve applied concepts and what they’ve learned through application attempts. Graduated complexity exposure. The program progressively in- creases complexity challenge as capabilities develop. When consumer goods company P&G builds general managers, it deliberately sequences assignments to introduce different types of complexity over time—from routine complexity to disruptive complexity—matching challenges to developing capabilities. By implementing structured development programs with these ele- ments, organizations build complexity leadership capabilities systemati- cally rather than hoping they emerge through experience alone.
357
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease