What to Read: Simple Habits for Complex Times: Powerful Practices for Leaders

Those in the learning and development field are often keen readers on a variety of topics. Our facilitators and team members are as well. In our new series, “What to Read,” we will share some books and resources that we’ve found to be valuable.

The authors present the case for treating complex problems with openness and curiosity and take actions to encourage it in others, especially through feedback and questioning about experiences and approaches.

“Some of the approaches will be recognizable, especially to those who may be well-versed in dealing with change and transition. Involving others in solutions, using specific and frequent communication about desired outcomes, and making decisions based upon both logic and feelings are some of the most important themes in the book.

—From Simple Habits for Complex Times: Powerful Practices for Leaders by Jennifer Garvey Berger and Keith Johnston

Summary

Most complex problems are those that are systemic, because various stakeholders, motivations and processes are in place—all contributing to the outcome. By focusing on understanding the system, leaders can have more influence on creating an outcome that is useful.”

Key Takeaways

Some of the approaches will be recognizable, especially to those who may be well-versed in dealing with change and transition. Involving others in solutions, using specific and frequent communication about desired outcomes, and making decisions based upon both logic and feelings are some of the most important themes in the book. The authors point out that the most complex problems are those that are systemic, because various stakeholders, motivations and processes are in place—all contributing to the outcome. By focusing on understanding the system, leaders can have more influence on creating an outcome that is useful.

Visit the author’s website to learn more.