Thrive In The Mess
Bryan Whitefield
I empower leaders to cultivate high-performance teams making faster and better decisions | Recognised expert in strategy and risk | Expert facilitator and trainer and sought-after mentor | MAICD, MRMIA & CCRO
In my many years as a strategy consultant, I've noticed struggling organisations are often overwhelmed by complexity. But what if complexity, when managed correctly, could be your greatest asset?
The business world is messy with constant disruptions. While many leaders try to simplify everything, I propose a different approach: the Mastering Complexity Model.
The Model has three pillars:
Instead of trying to predict every disruption, create cross-functional teams, implement rapid feedback loops, and shift from a "control" to "navigate" mindset. Turn the next disruption into a competitive advantage.
The reality is: mastering complexity is now a core leadership competency. Ask yourself:
While implementing the Mastering Complexity Model requires commitment, the payoff in organisational resilience and competitive advantage is worth it. In the complexity game, the winners aren't just playing – they're rewriting the rules.
Are you ready to level up?
Hi Bryan, I offer this to you because I would like to chat 1-1 with you. I like your idea of standing back and objectively assessing and then re-organising how I organise my life and my business. I use a different model that makes it easier for me to do what you are asking: 1. Be clear on what I want and have priorities. I check this every day. This is an essential screening process for me. 2. Be as clear as possible about how I will get what I want. Look for priorities. 3. How to overcome whatever obstacles gets in the way. However, I check if the obstacles mean I must change how I will get what I want, and maybe I need to modify/change what I want. Overarching each of these 3 questions, and especially question 1, what do I want? is the most important question of all : What needs to happen for ????? to occur? This question is incredibly powerful. When I stopped and thought about these questions for a while I realised this is what I do all the time, from a travel itinerary to doctoral research. However, articulating them offers a more intentional way to use them. When these questions become a way of thinking they are incredibly useful in navigating the complexity around us. What do you think? Jeff Borg CEO of Salvanote