Dave Snowden on the heuristics of complexity
A very useful list from Dave Snowden which can be used to describe good tactics for dealing with complex situations:
- The whole success of social computing is because it conforms to the three heuristics of complex systems: finely grained objects, distributed cognition & disintermediation
- In an uncertain world we need fast, real time feedbacks not linear processes and criticism includes short cycle experimental processes which remain linear.
- The real dangers are retrospective coherence and premature convergence
- Narrative is vital, but story-telling is at best ambiguous
- Need to shift from thinking about drivers to modulators
- You can’t eliminate cognitive bias, you work with it
- Extrinsic rewards destroy intrinsic motivation
- Messy coherence is the essence of managing complexity
Hi Chris
I want to contrast my reactions to your last two posts, mainly as a personal reflection. Your post on what’s happening on Bowen Island moved me, it’s a story, your story, I can see and hear and feel you as I read it. It makes me feel human and connected. This post on heuristics and complexity makes me feel dumb. I don’t understand the words or what they mean and it makes me feel as though I should. I wonder how you feel about writing such contrasting posts?
Hiya Viv…this blog has occasionally gone through fits and spells of identity crises and this is probably one. Not sure if I should be writing more personally here or using it more for it’s intended function, as a “parking lot.”
But I notice that I use Evernote more for that kind of reminder and I tweet links out like the one above. And I have no desire to make my readers feel numb (or dumb even) so perhaps I will just stick to writing personally here.
Thanks for your feedback!
Turkey is lovely and hot by the way…. 🙂
Hi Chris,
Just stumbled on this blog – found the list really helpful. As has been your link to Ownership and the Living Organisation. We’re starting up with a structure centred on stewardship and rights decoupled from financial / investment rights.
The list has triggered a few useful thoughts on creating a scalable social community that is also a profitable business.
Thanks …