There is not that much in the workplace that is simple. 

Those best practices, that are obvious to all, may get us through the day but will probably not meet tomorrow’s needs.

For that, we need to embrace a more complex approach, of emergent practices. 

And here’s the thing about complexity:

the relationship of cause and effect can only be seen in hindsight. What works can only be seen in the rear view mirror. We must probe, sense, then respond.

Complexity should be ridden like a beast, because it cannot be stick handled and process managed. 

Emergence prepares us for a more uncertain, chaotic tomorrow. Organizationally, therefore, we should seek out and reward different cultural contributors: misfits and original thinkers who stretch and enrich, those who play in complexity. 

Yknow, disorganizers.

FOOTNOTE

This tweet from Adam Grant got me thinking about this topic:

Don't let your workplace become a cultural museum. Culture fit is a recipe for groupthink—it weeds out diversity of thought.
Hire, reward, and promote cultural contributors: the misfits, original thinkers, and disagreeable givers who stretch and enrich the culture.#SHRM18 pic.twitter.com/zlcNOEyYQ2

— Adam Grant (@AdamMGrant) June 19, 2018

This Much We Know.