I was watching a program on volatility in the financial markets and the links to complexity theory (something I have been interested in for years). See my recent post on “a connected company is a complex company” at our Life in the Matrix blog.

One of the scientists used the visual of a double pendulum to show how 2 seemingly simple things connected can become very complex

I found this video on YouTube that reflects this effect very clearly - the double pendulum

As systems grow more complex and connected the effects can look very chaotic as you can see clearly in this second video - triple pendulums

So how much we connect people in our organizations has a big impact on complexity. Interdependence may be necessary but it is likely to cause “noise” and cost. Unnecessary cooperation and communication can cause these effects for little or no reward.

Check out our Speed Lead approach to simplifying complex companies.

Oct 24 2008