Every day in our professional lives, we are confronted with problems that we have to solve. Some of them are complicated, some are complex. They may sound similar, but they require completely different approaches when it comes to finding a solution strategy.
But what makes the difference?
We solve complicated problems by applying tried and tested methods. Knowledge and discipline are crucial. Repairing a computer, drawing up a balance sheet or flying an aeroplane are examples of this. We move on familiar terrain (causal, static, fixed) and implement.
Complicated problems:
Are familiar to us, there are instructions.
Efficiency and economy take centre stage.
It is about adhering to rules, about control.
We have a high degree of certainty that we will achieve the desired result.
Complex problems, on the other hand, are new and unknown to us. They are challenges for which there are no instructions on how to solve them: We first have to work out how to approach such problems.
But since nobody knows the solution - not even managers or executives - instructions from above make no sense. Traditional management in the sense of command and control has had its day. We are required to adopt as many different perspectives as possible and approach possible solutions. Every action (or non-action) in a complex system has an unpredictable effect on the system. We must therefore make assumptions, test them and learn from them.
Complex problems:
Are new to us, we have no instructions.
Effectiveness and efficiency take centre stage.
It's about leadership and working dynamically according to principles.
We have to deal constructively with uncertainty in order to find good solutions.
We solve complex problems through structured experimentation, for example as part of the OKR framework. Expertise and creativity are crucial. Globalisation, digitalisation, Covid-19 or the Ukraine war and its effects are examples of this. But highly ambitious goals and employee motivation are also part of it. We are entering uncharted territory (acausal, dynamic, fluid) and have to develop new things.
What is it like in your company?
Do you mainly have to solve complicated or complex tasks? Are there differences between departments? And above all: How do you solve complex problems?