Comparing Complex Issues with Other Issues II
Go Deeper
ACTIVITY 1 Accelerating Knowledge Sharing
Each Catalytic Thinking Lab is supported by a WindTunneling project. WindTunneling is a systemic methodology to accelerate learning and knowledge sharing. Share what you learned from the lab transparently and anonymously. Compare your thinking and respond to the ideas of others. Everyone gets to see every idea; no one knows who shared which idea.
Go to WindTunneling. Use Project Code 77NCF to record your insights.
ACTIVITY 2 Analyzing Complexity
Pick a big and thorny complex issue of interest to you, e.g., climate change, homelessness, or political refugees.
Draw a sense-making framework. See if you can begin to sort out the various aspects of that issue into the four categories. For example, how people heat their homes could be a part of addressing climate change that is a routine issue. International agreement, e.g., the Paris Climate Accord, is a complex issue in and of itself, but the targets it sets are based on experts in various scientific fields. Can you identify related complicated issues? Do your best to sort through different aspects of the issue. How does the process of sorting shift your thinking about the issue and how to talk about it? When you have your framework filled out, consider leadership gestures related to these issues – are they the right shape? What changes would you consider making?
ACTIVITY 3 Discerning Issues
Choose four examples from the lab activity, one from each quadrant. Draw a sense-making framework. Write the issue in the appropriate category.
On your map, use each quadrant to describe each issue.
What are the variables?
What is the level of uncertainty?
Is the issue chronic or episodic?
What is the appropriate goal for the issue?
What shape of leadership fits the goal?
Other References, Articles, and Books
- Share references, articles, or books in the WindTunneling Project that you think will be good supplemental content for future participants.