This document discusses different types of systems and how to manage complexity. There are two main types of systems: mechanical systems which are discernible, transparent, and have finite elements; and organic systems which are complex, opaque, and have non-finite elements. Mechanical systems benefit from control and deterministic approaches while organic systems respond better to guidance, questions, and experimentation. When dealing with complex organic systems, the document recommends approaches like dreaming, fractality, experimentation and oscillation to nurture complexity rather than try to control it with mechanical methods. The presentation encourages identifying system types in one's workplace and exploring how to better juggle complexity.

1. Tobias Mayer — Agile in Covent Garden, 7th July 2016
Navigating Complexity

2. Tobias Mayer — Agile in Covent Garden, 7th July 2016
A Hammer
is not a Screwdriver

3. System
1. a set of connected things or parts
forming a complex whole
2. a set of principles or procedures
according to which something is
done
Ref: Oxford Dictionary

4. Over to You
What is Not a System?

5. There are Essentially
Two Types of System
1. Mechanical
2. Organic

6. Mechanical Systems

7. Organic Systems

8. Discernible
Transparent
Objective
Has finite elements
Known end state
Deterministic
Encourages statements of truth
“If this, then that”
Mechanical System

9. Complex
Opaque
Subjective
Has non-finite elements
Unknown end-state
Nondeterministic
Encourages questions and observations
“If this, then what?”
Organic System

10. Characteristics of System Types
Mechanical Organic
Discernible
Transparent
Objective
Has finite elements
Known end state
Deterministic
Encourage statements of
truth —
“If this, then that”
Complex
Opaque
Subjective
Has non-finite elements
Unknown end-state
Nondeterministic
Encourages questions and
observations —
“If this, then what?”

11. Over to You
Identify and categorise
systems in your workplace

12. So what if we want to
a System?
CHANGEINFLUENCEMANIPULATECONTROLMANAGE !

13. Discernible
Transparent
Objective
Has finite elements
Known end state
Deterministic
Encourages statements of truth
Mechanical System
Benefits from control
Responds to commanding leadership
Requires Experts

14. Complex
Opaque
Subjective
Has non-finite elements
Unknown end-state
Nondeterministic
Encourages questions and observations
Organic System
Responds to guidance and nurturing
Benefits from release
Requires artisans

15. Characteristics of System Types
Mechanical Organic
Discernible
Transparent
Objective
Has finite elements
Known end state
Deterministic
Statements of truth
“if this, then that”
Requires experts
Benefits from control
Responds to commanding
leadership
Complex
Opaque
Subjective
Has non-finite elements
Unknown end-state
Nondeterministic
Questions and observations
“if this, then what?”
Requires artisans
Benefits from release
Responds to guidance and
nurturing

16. Over to You
Are you managing organic
systems mechanically?

17. Organic Systems
are Complex
Always

18. For every complex
problem there is
an answer that is
clear, simple…
and wrong.
— H.L. Mencken

19. We accept this…

20. But what about this…

21. Or this…

22. Complex
Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Nurturing Complexity

23. Complex
Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Nurturing Complexity

24. Requirements Definition
Division
of Labor
Work Breakdown
Accumulation
Complex
Problem
In contrast…

25. Complex
Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Nurturing Complexity

27. Complex
Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Juggling Complexity

31. Complex
Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Juggling Complexity

34. Complex
Problem
Dreaming
Fractality
Experimentation
Oscillation
Juggling Complexity

36. Over to You
Pick one of those ideas and
explore in your context

37. Let go of your old ideas — even the good ones

38. Thank you
@tobiasmayer | businesscraftsmanship.com

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