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Factor I: Thought
Cluster B: Making complex decisions
Competency 8: Manages complexity
8. Manages complexity
Making sense of complex, high quantity, and sometimes contradictory
information to effectively solve problems.
Problems are getting more complex all the time. Success today depends on figuring out the best solution
to difficult, high-stakes issues. Issues that have so many moving parts that it’s hard to make sense of it
all. Most people are smart enough to solve problems effectively, but they don’t always go about it the right
way. They don’t define the problem carefully or rush to conclusions. Or they go to the other extreme and
analyze it to death without trying anything out. They may also rely too much on themselves, when multiple
people usually have a better chance of arriving at the best solution. It’s tempting to skim the surface of a
thorny issue. But skim-the-surface solutions will yield superficial results at best and be flat out wrong at
worst. You need to drill down, gather data from diverse sources, sort through it, and then distill it into
simpler, understandable themes. Evaluate the pros and cons of potential solutions. Test out the best
options. Learn and share lessons along the way. And stay alert for future problems that may arise.
“Fools ignore complexity. Pragmatists suffer it.
Some can avoid it. Geniuses remove it.”
Alan Perlis – American computer scientist
Manages complexity is in the Thought factor (I) in the Korn Ferry Leadership Architect™. It is
part of Cluster B, Making complex decisions, along with Decision quality (12) and Balances
stakeholders (32). You may find it helpful to also take a look at some of the tips included in those
chapters to supplement your learning.
Skilled
Asks the right questions to accurately analyze situations.
Acquires data from multiple and diverse sources when solving problems.
Uncovers root causes to difficult problems.
Evaluates pros and cons, risks and benefits of different solution options.
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