Reflections on Chaos

A633.5.3.RB

Create a reflection blog on what this exercise meant to you and how it impacts your understanding of chaos theory, include the implications that this has on strategy.

After first reading about this exercise at the beginning of chapter 6 (Obolensky, 2014), it was initially difficult to visualize the exercise play out as described. Although the exercise is designed to show how chaos and complexity have an underlying order, my personal experiences dealing with the human factor led me to believe that this exercise would take longer than stated by Oblolensky (2014) and that the chaos would eventually lead to further disorder. Actually watching this exercise play out in Obolensky (2008) Who needs leaders?, the video provided a surprising result. After Obolensky explained the task everyone was to complete and the boundaries in which they would operate in, each person although working individually, yet still with a shared goal set out purposefully and accomplished the task in under a minute. According to Obolensky (2014), “The counter-intuitive and intriguing conclusion is that the more complex the situation and task, the less directive traditional leadership is needed” (p. 101).

As I am exposed more to complexity science and theory, I am starting to understand and embrace what I previously attempted to prevent, chaos and disorder. Obolensky (2014) has presented valuable insight to some of the leadership challenges I believed to have been pure obstacles. Understanding that there is underlying order in chaos and complexity has shed light on another aspects of leadership for me. Rather than using traditional leadership methods or structures, Obelensky (2014) recommends, “Instead a leader needs to put in place certain key principles so that the organisation being led can become self-leading, and the leader can then practice what is recognised in Chinese philosophy as the highest form of leadership – wu wei” (p. 101). The implication this has on strategy is that leaders (to include myself) must relook how we shape teams/organizations, ensure the appropriate level of leadership for simple and complex tasks, and embrace the unknown and the complexities it brings. Understanding and practicing wu wei when appropriate could enhance a leader’s effectiveness. As noted by Lani Refiti (2014):

Within the context of leadership, Wu Wei means leading without trying to lead, inspiring and motivating rather than coercing or forcing. A leader who practices Wu Wei authentically leads by being who he/she is naturally, by setting authentic examples rather than manipulative rules or regulations. 

References

Obolensky, N. (2008). Who needs leader? Youtube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41QKeKQ2O3E.

Obolensky, N. (2014). Complex Adaptive Leadership (2^nd edition): Embracing Paradox and Uncertainty. Ashgate Publishing Ltd. Kindle Edition.

Refiti, L. (2014). Authentic leadership & Wu wei..action by non-action..the best leaders leads least? LinkedIn.com. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140522070225-36017205-authentic-leadership-wu-wei-action-by-non-action-the-best-leader-leads-least.