Complexity SCANs in GLUE

In my lasts posts I was exploring complexity and how I tackle the problem of complexity by applying my GLUE thinking to it. Therefore here a short summary so that my thinking about complexity up to now is collected in one place. I am using the SCAN framework of Tom Graves and connect it with GLUE by applying it to the GLUE Divisions and the GLUE Discipline Detect:

In GLUE Detect on Defence the EPIC SCAN is used to analyze the root and severity of the complexity:

• Emergent Complexity - consequence of many small and unrelated decisions and actions.
• Perverse Complexity - consequence of clumsy attempts to reduce complexity.
• Irreducible Complexity - consequence of real complexity of the demand environment.
• Contrived Complexity - consequence of deliberately creation to benefit some stakeholders.

In GLUE Detect on Destination the WISE SCAN is used to analyze the potential and the desired future state:

• Worth - A future capability must be worth the investment.
• Informed - The decision to invest into the future capability must be fact based.
• Simple - The most simple solution must be selected (to minimize future complexity)
• Environment - The solution must be embedded in the greater contex.

In GLUE Detect on Discovery the PACE SCAN is used to analyze the speed of tranformation:

• People - because one person can (and most likely will) make the difference between success and failure.
• Adaption - because the solution must be adapted to serve the people.
• Communication - because communication is key to ensure that the solution serves the people (and is accepted by them).
• Emphatic - because sensing also the unspoken is needed to be able to deliver and help that people and solution form a perfect fit-to-purpose environment.

All of this is needed to optimize the journeys through the GLUE Space and there is one good advice: Don't Panic.