Dilemma's, Paradox, Irony.

My head hurts.

Dilemmas, Irony and Paradox. Can you simplify that for me please? Err, no.

It messes with my head to meet smart people who state determinedly that they want to solve a major issue in their lives/business/government department. They go on to say that they want to do so with simple tools and techniques and fast. I get the question I just find it hard to explain (without some incontrollable facial muscle spasms) that the answer may require dealing with complexity.

This request more than often comes along with a request for a whole new vision - a strategy – wholesale transformation in some critical area or other.  A new deal for this government department, a whole new way to engage with our consumers – reengineer my organization - change my life please.  

“Oh, and we want it to be simple.”

If I dig deeper they defend this with -

“It’s because I fear my colleagues will not be able to deal with the complexity of it all.”

After a while I may get them to admit that it is they too that actually can’t deal with the complexity of it all – not often though. Trust me - I know the feeling. I used to feel the same when I was a client. Admitting this fact is over 80% of the way to solving the problem. I am bursting to ask them then if in this case should we close down the operation and let them get on with their lives elsewhere? - do only the things they are capable of? I don’t ask that. Often.

A dilemma in fact.  A dilemma in that the capability of some of these leaders asking for change doesn’t exist  - it won’t work - but - they are the leaders.  A paradox in that they have recognized that there is a problem bigger than they can manage or wish to pursue but they still will - and irony in that they want the solution, they don’t know what it is, they know it’s very valuable - but not at any price.

I’m still optimistic.

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