Tackling Complexity by Gilbert Probst
This book provides a novel systems-thinking approach to solving complex problems in socio-political and business environments. It is a must-read for any leader or strategist looking for real-world solutions to policy challenges.
"Tackling Complexity is a new book by Gilbert Probst and Andrea MBassi. It is published by Greenleaf Publishing and they provided the book for review. Initially, I was excited as I have read a number of books about decision-making and even wrote my own, "Taking Aim for Better Decision-Making". Sadly, I wasn't very far into the book until I realized that there is a huge difference between how ivory tower academics approach decision-making and how every day practitioners approach decision-making. Probst and Bassi suggest that, "our decisions often fail" but they fail to recognize the magnitude of the problem as reported by Paul C. Nutt in his book, "Why Decisions Fail". After 20 years of research, Nutt came to the conclusion that, "decisions fail half of the time". This is a huge problem that deserves our attention and practical approaches that will improve outcomes. Probst and Bassi give lip service to the idea that there is a difference between complicated systems and complex systems wherein there are often dynamics beyond our control. They then proceed to explain their systemic approach which is highly analytical and top end driven. Stuart Crainer in his book "The 75 Greatest Management Decisions Ever Made" wrote, "Alluring though they are the trouble with decision-making theories is that reality is often more confused and messy than a neat model can allow for." My research leads me to believe that all analytical decision-making models are subject to imperfect knowledge, unintended consequences and luck. While not very scientific, it has led me to believe as does Paul Nutt that the best practices have a flow that can be related to the appreciative inquiry stages outlined by Copperrider and Srivastva, 1987. J. Edward Russo and Paul J.H. Schoemaker in their book, "Winning Decisions" talked about how traditional organizations viewed implementation secondary to planning and analysis while the newer approach places more weight on learning and adjustment in real time. for me this has been proven by the iteration process common to most successful internet sites. Earlier this week the Wall Street Journal reported on -- Bob Cannon Decision Making Today
GILBERT PROBST is Managing Director, Leadership Office and Academic Affairs at the World Economic Forum. ANDREA M. BASSI is the founder and CEO of KnowlEdge Srl.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781783530816 |
| ISBN 10 | 1783530812 |
| Title | Tackling Complexity |
| Author | Gilbert Probst |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Taylor & Francis Ltd |
| Year published | 2014-01-31 |
| Number of pages | 188 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |