Leaders today face a unique challenge: how to lead in an increasingly complex world.

As the pace of change accelerates and the interconnectivity of our world deepens, leaders cannot afford to solve complex, real-world problems with linear thinking models. In order to thrive in this highly complex world, leaders need to embrace complexity and adopt an Emergent Solutioning™ mindset.

The emergent solutioning mindset is one that recognizes that solutions to complex problems emerge over time, through ongoing experimentation, learning, and adaptation. This approach stands in contrast to the traditional linear approach, which assumes that problems can be solved through a fixed sequence of steps. While linear thinking has its place, it is not effective in solving real-life problems that are complex and dynamic.

For example, let’s consider the challenge of climate change.

Climate change is a complex problem that requires a holistic approach that takes into account the interconnectivity of natural systems, social systems, and economic systems. However, traditional linear thinking models are ill-equipped to address this complexity. They tend to focus on isolated factors, such as reducing carbon emissions or increasing renewable energy, and here in Singapore – reducing the use of plastic bags without considering the broader context in which these factors operate (reducing the use of plastic bags here in Singapore will likely lead to unforeseen knock-on effects that may only become obvious at a later time).

To embrace complexity and adopt an emergent solutioning mindset, leaders need to change their thinking and mindset. They need to move away from the traditional model of linear thinking and embrace a more holistic and adaptive approach. Here are some ways leaders can do this:

• Foster a culture of experimentation and learning: Leaders should encourage their teams to experiment and learn from failure, rather than focusing solely on success. This can help to create a culture of continuous improvement and adaptation. In Emergent Solutioning™ we refer to this as Scaffolding for Solutions.
• Encourage diverse perspectives: Leaders should seek out diverse perspectives and opinions from people with different backgrounds and experiences. This can help to broaden their understanding of complex issues and generate more creative and effective solutions.
• Embrace uncertainty: Leaders should accept that complex problems are inherently uncertain and unpredictable. They should be comfortable operating in an environment of ambiguity and be willing to adapt their approach as new information emerges.

In conclusion, leaders today need to change their thinking and mindset and embrace complexity. They need to recognize that linear thinking models are not effective in solving complex, real-world problems and adopt an emergent solutioning mindset that values experimentation, learning, and adaptation. By doing so, they can lead their organizations to success in a highly complex and interconnected world.