Michael Lissack
predictable relationships) and those that are truly complex (emergent properties from interconnected elements)—has become even more rel- evant as our world has grown more interconnected. Organizations still struggle to apply complicated-world tools to complex challenges, often with disappointing results. Coherence as the key to navigation. The original concept of coher- ence—an alignment of context, viewpoint, purpose, and action that enables further purposeful action—remains the foundation for effective navigation of complexity. Rather than proposing simplistic solutions that attempt to eliminate complexity, both versions of the book recognize that creating meaning and alignment amid complexity is the essential challenge. The power of simple guiding principles. The idea that simple, in- teracting principles can guide action more effectively than detailed rules or elaborate frameworks continues to prove its value. Organizations that have developed clear guiding principles while allowing substantial free- dom in implementation have generally outperformed those relying on rigid control systems. The importance of mental models. The original book’s emphasis on understanding and respecting diverse mental models has only grown in importance. As organizations have become more diverse and globally distributed, the ability to recognize and work productively with different perspectives has become a critical capability. The value of stories and landscapes. The use of stories and landscape metaphors as tools for making sense of complexity remains powerfully relevant. These approaches tap into deeply human ways of understanding that transcend cultural and technological changes. What Has Changed While the fundamental principles have endured, significant changes in our context require new applications and extensions: The acceleration of complexity. The complexity frontiers organiza- tions face have multiplied and intensified. Climate change, technological
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