Category Archives: Complexity

Job-Killing Processes

Posted on April 4, 2011 by jbordeaux

I’ve been wrestling with a thought lately – if organizations are complex systems, and complex systems are continuously self-organizing, then why do we believe formal processes make these complex systems more efficient? Worse, when an organization is in need, why … Continue reading →

Posted in Complexity, Decision Science, Governance, Strategy | 4 Comments

Raising the Dial Tone, Part 2

Posted on September 25, 2010 by jbordeaux

(Part 1 is archived at http://jbordeaux.com/raising-the-dial-tone/) Recently, Dennis McDonald offered that transparency and collaboration should be considered as efficiency measures in the Secretary of Defense’s initiatives.  A sharp comment to this post responded by detailing the dire state of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Complexity, Social Media, Strategy | 1 Comment

Controlling the Invisible

Posted on June 26, 2010 by jbordeaux

Recently, I was engaged in a listserv conversation (remember those?) regarding the balance between standards-based enterprises and the need to engage creative talent who may bristle at standard processes. The conversation moved to the question of new processes and standards that … Continue reading →

Posted in Complexity, Complexity and HR, Governance | 1 Comment

Shun The frumious Bandersnatch!

Posted on January 2, 2010 by jbordeaux

Words mean things.  One of the more obnoxious statements of the obvious, and yet I find myself saying it more often these days.  The more I delve into understanding complexity theory, network science, and struggle to understand cognition and neuroscience, … Continue reading →

Posted in Complexity | 1 Comment

Foresight and Public Policy in a Complex World

Posted on January 24, 2009 by jbordeaux

  In talking about foresight, I’m reminded that this is not an attribute but a process.  No one “has” foresight, we look ahead – we envision. In turbulent times, when we’re reminded of the Black Swan effects and the connected nature of … Continue reading →

Posted in Complexity, National Security | 1 Comment

Human Distribution

Posted on July 28, 2008 by jbordeaux

Spent yesterday’s treadmill time watching Clay Shirky’s talk at TedTalks 2005 yesterday.  I believe the implications of his talk energized me as much as the “exercise” (ok, so I just walk for 30 minutes – it’s a start).  His central thesis was … Continue reading →

Posted in Complexity | 2 Comments

Conquering Complexity

Posted on October 9, 2007 by jbordeaux

Ok, so I am a few pages into the Michael George book: “Lean Six Sigma for Services.” But I’m putting it down now for good. In the chapter entitled: “The Value in Conquering Complexity,” I am struck with the misuse … Continue reading →

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