Six Simple Rules: How to Manage Complexity without Getting Complicated

4

Simple Rule Four

Increase Reciprocity

How can you ensure that an organization channels each person’s autonomy in the most effective way? The three simple rules we described in the previous chapters improve people’s ability to deal with complexity—the multiple, fast-changing, and often contradictory performance requirements companies need to satisfy. These rules provide people with new resources—knowledge of others and their work contexts, integrators that help foster the cooperation of others, and new sources of power—so they are able to make better decisions and take effective action. Put another way, these rules are about using the group to leverage people’s autonomy. Their effect is to enhance the potential of the individual’s judgment ...