“I would not give a
fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but I would give my life
for the simplicity on the other side of complexity. “
This quote may sound complex; yet, is really simple! And profound.
I think this quote applies significantly to facilitation. I help people in organizations recognize that
they often need to discuss and decide about very complex issues and situations
in order to achieve simplicity. It does
not help to try for a simple and “quick and dirty” solution. Rather, people need to dedicate the time to
know as many facts as possible about a situation, consider all of the
alternative actions and their consequences, and make decisions that will have
impact for a long time. Once these decisions
are reached and implemented, the group often is able to carry out its
activities in a simple manner. The group
has achieved simplicity “on the other side of complexity”.
As an example, some years ago, I worked with seven organizations
wishing to create a formal partnership. In
our first session, the participants reviewed a document that provided an
analysis of each organization; outlining strengths, liabilities, and interest
in working together. Many of the
participants said that they knew everything about the organizations and did not
need to waste time on reviewing the document.
I asked them to commit to two hours to discuss the document and then
decide upon further review. Once the two
hours were over, the participants acknowledged that they knew little about each
other and were trying to simplify and hurry a process that was complex. We then designed and conducted a four month
process that culminated in a collaboration model for the organizations.
My facilitation question is:
what examples do you have about complexity and simplicity?
