Based
on this week's reading, reflect on complexity science and theory in
organizations and the butterfly effect (p.58). Identify 2 examples
where “small changes yield large results” in your organization. What are the implication of complexity
theory for you and your organization and how can you use this to drive
improvements.
The
theories of complexity and chaos offer leaders and organizations a new more non
deterministic approach to organizational structure and dissolves ideas of
classical and traditional theories while forming a new unbiased evolution of
strategic reformation. The interplay between chaos and order and complexity and
simplicity used to provide leaders with philosophical dynamics and tactics. Today,
the aspirations of modern physics appear to be more scientific in nature rather
than the philosophy we experienced in past years allowing leaders of the past
and future to understand how “oligarchy and anarchy can co exist in science
with polyarchy.” (Obolensky 2010).
One
example of where small changes yielded large results occurred about two months
ago when my department was informed of the fact that we were down in our
numbers four months in a row. This had never occurred in past times and we were
shocked to hear such news. Due to the military cancelling all tuition
assistance we knew that there would be a drop in application numbers as much of
our student population is in the military but we didn’t know how much this
would affect us. When the numbers came in, it was clear. We needed to take
drastic measures to get our numbers up so we could finish out the year above
our prospected goal.
In
order to do this my manager put us on an intense campaign where we were to call
of the students who had started an application and assist them with any
questions they may have had. This campaign went on for a number of weeks. My
team and I worked endlessly to get the job done and just this week learned that
due to our efforts we were now ahead of our prospected goal by 5,000 applicants.
We were ecstatic. Taking the time to contact each of our prospects truly helped
with getting our team back on track and ahead of the game.
Another
example of how small changes yielded large results was when we added a new
member to our team. A few months ago we had only a team of three Senior Enrollment
Counselors who were assisting with prospecting individuals. Last year, our team
was able to bring in about 20,000 applicants, however the workload for each
individual was intense. My management team decided to hire a fourth member to
ease the workload for the existing three members. In doing this the workload was
dispersed and we were able to increase the number of applicants we each touched
upon. It was amazing to see what just one more member could do for our team and
the positive effect it could have on our numbers and student interaction.
Complexity
theory is a useful tool in determining the underlying simplicity of a self
organizing nature. My organization and department was able to drive improvements
by using the butterfly effect. By making small changes, my team and I were able
yield large results proving that the effort you put into something will dictate
the results that you get out it. These examples prove that the butterfly effect
works and can provide positive results as long as the effort put forward is
used in maintaining chaotic order.
Cassandra R.
References
Obolensky, N. (2010).
Complex adaptive leadership. (1st edition.). London, UK: Gower/Ashgate
