The idea of Universal Basic Income has caught the popular imagination. Richard Branson, Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, among others, have jumped on to the bandwagon to promote its potential. Equally, there are others who see the idea as a short jump to creating future generations of people dis-incentivised to work. Who is right? Well,…Continue Reading “Universal Basic Income: Panacea or Distraction?”

Maybe you think complexity is just an academic concept, nothing to do with your daily life. What happened the last time you rang your doctor’s surgery for an appointment? Got through first time? Were you seen the same day? If so, lucky you. Many others have quite different experiences (sometimes I feel I should camp…Continue Reading “What is the Impact of Thinking at the Wrong Level? An NHS Case Study”

Complexity Cheat #02: Creating Clarity Through Visualization

As we mentioned in our previous post, observation is crucial when we aim to gather the credible and unpolished data we need to take control of complex problems. Observing and receiving information without prejudice and being brutally honest about the information we gather allows us to avoid beautifying the situation and enables us to discover…Continue Reading “Complexity Cheat #02: Creating Clarity Through Visualization”

Complexity Cheat #01: Into the Jungle -The Art of Honest Observation

Following on from our previous post, let us start this one with another short story to illustrate the principles of our first complexity cheat: Three adventurers competed in a race through a very wild jungle to prove who is the best of them. The first brought a map and compass, the second a machete, but…Continue Reading “Complexity Cheat #01: Into the Jungle -The Art of Honest Observation”