I am very fond of complexity thinking these days. It provides a refreshing alternative for people planning interventions and conducting evaluation in humanitarian and development aid.

1. Simplicity on the Other Side of Complexity An Introduction to Complexity Science and Management

9. Bridging Polarities We will move from Either/Or to “Yes, And” Thinking Paradox frames the door to life. Charles Johnson

12. III. Seeing Through A Complexity Lens

16. Interdependent Attributes Adaptable Elements Embedded Systems Co-Evolution Non-Linearity Simple Rules Not Predicable in Detail Order w/o Central Control Natural Emergence & Creativity

20. Stacey Diagram Know When Your Challenges Are In the Zone of Complexity Certainty Agreement Close to Far from Far from Close to Simple Plan, control Chaotic Seek Patterns Zone of Complexity

21. Stacey Diagram Know When Your Challenges Are In the Zone of Complexity Certainty Agreement Close to Far from Far from Close to Simple Plan, control Chaotic Seek Patterns Complicated Complex Swarm

22. What Approaches Are Useful in the Zone? Certainty Agreement Close to Far from Far from Close to Simple Plan, control Chaos Seek Patterns CAS Metaphors, Good Enough Vision, Minimum Specs, Seeking Out Paradox, Multiple Actions, Chunking, Generative Relationships, Informal Networks, Tuning To Your System & Natural Attractors, Swarmware Creative Adaptability

30. Simplicity on the Other Side of Complexity IV. Scientific Origins & Emerging Insights

31. Scientific Origins

32. Surprising Convergence of Disciplines Biology Ecology Meteorology Mathematics Chemistry Psychology S ociology Economics Physics Computer Science

38. Surprising Convergence: We Stand on the Shoulders of Giants Complex Adaptive Systems ((( Murray Gell-Mann ))) The Quark & the Jaguar ((( Stuart Kaufmann ))) At Home in the Universe ((( John Holland ))) Emergence ((( Brian Arthur ))) Increasing Returns Ecology James Lovelock, Gaia Hypothesis Meteorology Edward Lorenz, The Butterfly Effect Sociology Robert Axelrod, Complexity of Cooperation Chemistry Ilya Prigogine, Order Out of Chaos Physiology Ary Goldberger, Cardiac Research Socio-Biology E.O. Wilson Consilience Computer Science Christopher Langton Genetics R.C. Lewontin, Biology as Ideology Philosophy Ken Wilbur, Integral Science & Religion Physics-Ecology Fritjof Capra, Web of Life Mathematics Mandlebrot, Fractals Physics David Bohm, Wholeness & the Implicate Order

41. Emerging Insights

43. Key Attributes Adaptable Elements Embedded Systems Co-Evolution Non-Linearity Simple Rules Not Predictable in Detail Order w/o Central Control Natural Emergence & Creativity

49. Simple Rules & Attractors “Auto-Pilot” Rules.... New Pattern Emerging Search for simple rules, subtle patterns or rhythms that attract natural energy in your system.

54. Heart Rate Dynamics ? ?

55. Heart Rate Dynamics

56. Dynamic Adaptability

59. Nine Interdependent Principles Complexity Lens Seek Paradox Shadow System Good Enough Vision Multiple Actions Chunking Tune To The Edge Clockware/ Swarmware Competition/ Cooperation

63. Reflection – Interdependent Principles Complexity Lens Seek Paradox Shadow System Good Enough Vision Multiple Actions Chunking Tune To The Edge Clockware/ Swarmware Competition/ Cooperation

64. Kevin Kelly’s 10 Rules for the New Economy Opportunities Before Efficiencies Let Go at the Top Increasing Returns Relationship Tech Follow the Free Embrace the Swarm From Places to Spaces No Harmony, All Flux Plenitude, not Scarcity Feed the Web First

65. Simplicity on the Other Side of Complexity V. Stories that Illustrate Complexity Principles in Practice

67. Traditional Storytelling Heroic Individual Actions Luke Skywalker (The Force) Guru-Guide Obi Wan Kenobi & Yoda Trickster Darth Vader Blocking Force Imperial Forces (The Dark Side)

68. Storytelling Through a Complexity Lens Heroic Individual Actions New Attractor Pattern Guru-Guide Adaptive Principles-At-Play Trickster Waves of Emergence & Serendipity Blocking Force “ Autopilot” Attractor ( Self-Fulfilling Prophecy)

69. New Attractor Pattern > Notice how new patterns emerge in far-from-equilibrium conditions Adaptive Principles > Discern complexity practices-in-action Waves of Emergence > Expect novelty & surprise that dampens or amplifies change “ Autopilot” Attractor ( Self-Fulfilling Prophecy) > Uncover subtle/simple rules embedded in current patterns of behavior  Keith McCandless, 1999

71. New Attractor Pattern Notice how new patterns emerge in far-from-equilibrium conditions > “Do what is right for the patient!” > Frustration & commitment to change Adaptive Principles Discern complexity practices-in-action > Seek paradox > Tune to the edge > Good-enough vision > Simple rules Waves of Emergence Expect novelty & surprise that dampens or amplifies change > Patients can walk to surgery! > All stakeholders benefit when patient is the focus > Common-sense AND radical at the same time “ Autopilot” Attractor Uncover subtle/simple rules embedded in current patterns of behavior > Do what the surgeons want… and, don’t question it! > Acceptance of “The operation is a success, the patient is pissed!”

73. New Attractor Pattern Notice how new patterns emerge in far-from-equilibrium conditions > Early 1990’s recession; Ray’s soul searching; Ecology of Commerce > Pesky customers asking about recycled materials; grow by cleaning up! Adaptive Principles Discern complexity practices-in-action > Systems-in-systems interdependency > Good-enough vision > Simple rules Waves of Emergence Expect novelty & surprise that dampens or amplifies change > Some suppliers got on board > “Evergreen leasing” > “All beauty starts with nature” & customers noticed “ Autopilot” Attractor Uncover subtle/simple rules embedded in current patterns of behavior > Sell “flexibility”; buy supplies cheap; and, grow by acquisition > Manage internal production -- ignore how your suppliers produce their goods and how your customers dispose of your product

74. New Attractor Pattern > Notice how new patterns emerge in far-from-equilibrium conditions Adaptive Principles > Discern complexity practices-in-action Waves of Emergence > Expect novelty & surprise that dampens or amplifies change “ Autopilot” Attractor ( Self-Fulfilling Prophecy) > Uncover subtle/simple rules embedded in current patterns of behavior  Keith McCandless, 1999