Stephen Hawking famously said that this century would be the century of complexity. From its early days in the Santa Fe Institution, complex adaptive systems theory has increasingly moved from the world of academia to practice. Sometimes known as the science of uncertainty, it provides radically new ways to understand how to create organizations that are resilient and adaptive. This day-and-a -half symposium, a joint production of the Cynefin Centre for Organizational Complexity, Information Today, Inc. and Dysart & Jones Associates, brings together some of the leading academics, thinkers, and practitioners in the field of complexity to discuss a range of topics that include the following:
- How can government and industry more effectively navigate the multiple uncertainties of a hyper-connected world?
- What insights does complexity science give to the development of doctrine and strategy?
- How does complexity transform our understanding of design and innovation from the linear processes of design thinking to something dynamic and radically creative?
- What are the models of leadership appropriate for conditions of growing uncertainty?
- What are the implications for individual development, agency, and organization growth that arise from complexity and cognitive science?
- What is the role of art in human intelligence? Aesthetics and semiotics can have a profound impact on organizational change.
- What are new ways of ensuring impact that avoid the gaming and misdirection of KPI
This is a chance to be there at the first major event to discuss and co-create a radical new sets of ideas. In keeping with the theme, the event will not be organized around traditional keynotes, but instead on multiple structured interactions between experts and attendees to allow new insights and understanding to emerge. Einstein stated that “The definition of genius is taking the complex and making it simple.” to which we can add “but not simplistic”. Watch the website for updates and new additions to our expert panels with whom you will get a chance to interact. Register and join the conversation at this exciting learning and networking event.
Faculty & Coaches
Dr. Glenda Eoyang works with public and private organizations to help them thrive in the face of overwhelming complexity and uncertainty. She is a pioneer in the field of human systems dynamics (HSD), which she founded. Through Human Systems Dynamic Institute, Glenda uses her Models and Methods to help others see patterns in the chaos that surrounds them, understand the patterns in simple and powerful ways, and take practical steps to shift chaos into order. Her clients include Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Oxfam International, Canada School of Public Service, Cargill, Fraser Health Authority (BC), and Roche/Genentech.
Glenda’s latest book, with co-author Royce Holladay, is Adaptive Action: Leveraging Uncertainty in Your Organization (Stanford University Press, April 2013).
