Complex Adaptive Systems
Purpose
Understand organisations as complex adaptive systems
How to Use
1. Introduce complex adaptive systems thinking: agents, local rules, emergent patterns, non-linear causality. 2. Map the system: who are the agents? What are the interaction rules? What patterns are emerging? 3. Identify what is in the complex domain (Cynefin) vs complicated or chaotic. 4. For complex challenges: run small safe-to-fail experiments rather than large planned interventions. 5. Amplify what is working and dampen what isn't.
Created by Various (Santa Fe Institute, Stacey, Snowden)
When to Use
This tool is suited to the following coaching and facilitation contexts:
| Context | Relevant |
|---|---|
| Individual Coaching | |
| Team Coaching | |
| Leadership Development | |
| Facilitation / Workshop | |
| Online / Virtual |