We’ve been asked how come we talk about complexity and also root cause analysis. Aren’t they incompatible? The answer is no, and here we explain why root cause analysis is your best friend in managing complex situations and environments. Why complexity and a “reductionist” root cause analysis are not incompatible Let me preface this post […]
Whole System Management for the Age of Complexity
Seeing the Whole System When we first started our firm in Italy in the mid 1990s it was to work with Deming’s principles about Quality. It quickly became clear that Deming’s philosophy went far beyond the conventional notions of Quality management. It was about nothing less than transformation. Transformation of the prevailing management style based on […]
Work-Life Balance? There’s a Better Way
Is it possible to find that elusive work-life balance so many seek? We think that’s the wrong question. However, there is something you can do to focus your energies on what you truly need. It works for organizations, and it can work for individuals too. I want it all, and I want it now Our […]
How Does the Market Work? (It doesn’t, at least, not all by itself)
The discussion about how the market works and behaves has been keeping economists busy for a long time. In this post, Dr. Giovanni Siepe takes a systems and complexity-based look at what is going on, and considers a different approach. Let’s follow the mainstream reasoning The contrast between those who think that the market works […]
A Mission Statement? Do Better By Looking at Fears and Desires
While working with a startup group of entrepreneurs, we bumped into the notion of writing a mission statement. While this is a common practice, it can often lead to a bunch of meaningless words. There is a much better way of setting the course of an organization. Setting the direction There is nothing more exciting that working […]
A Path of Least Resistance for Managing Organizations? It’s Scientific.
The path of least resistance is a familiar concept from nature. It can be observed in patterns of water on glass. Flow is created where least energy is required. But is there a way to make this principle apply to the way organizations work? There is, and we take a look at it here. An […]
Creating Flow in Your Organization as a Sustainable System
In this post we look at how we can create a sustainable system, how we can operate as a sustainable system, and the results this will help us achieve. What would happen if everyone came to work and just did their own thing? Even with the best of intentions, this would not be a great […]
Complexity in Financial and Economic Systems? Adding Clarity
Complexity is all around us, but do we really understand what it means? And how are financial markets and economic systems affected by it? In this post, Dr. Giovanni Siepe takes a systemic perspective. What is a system and what does complexity mean? There are many conversations taking place about complexity and complex systems. In […]
The Scottish Independence Vote – A Dilemma for Brave Hearts
The decision awaiting Scots tomorrow will shape the rest of their lives and those of their descendants. It will also impact the rest of the United Kingdom. Leading economists completely disagree about the implications. We give a personal (and genetically Scottish) take from a systemic thinking point of view. Anyone who has visited Scotland […]
Change or Don’t Change? Do You Have a Choice?
There is a fundamental conflict about change that we all face throughout our lives. If we can verbalize it in a general way, then we have an opportunity to deal with it every time it haunts us. If there is one thing we know we will face in life for certain, it’s change. From day […]
