Step Back and Look Up – Mastering Complexity with a Broader Perspective
Taking things apart to understand them works for many challenges – but not for complexity.
Derived from the Latin words meaning "to entwine" or "to braid" – complexity is about interconnection. In tangled systems where everything is related, a purely analytical approach that separates the problem into discrete pieces can miss the essence of the whole.
When faced with complexity, zooming out to see the bigger picture can unlock insights and drive faster, more effective decisions.
The Limits of Analysis
Consider a supermarket chain transforming their supply chain. How much change should extend into their suppliers’ operating model? Should they be required to adopt new technology, processes and staff training?
Our instinct is to analyse every detail scientifically—break the problem into its components and assess every implication Ironically, this approach can overwhelm, flooding the situation with so many details that clarity slips further away. Huge spreadsheets and exhaustive evaluations often create more questions than answers.
What’s the solution? Stop digging deeper. Instead, zoom out and see the system holistically. This approach, called synthetic thinking, often creates the clarity that is missing in detailed analysis.
Scientific Thinking vs. Synthetic Thinking
Scientific thinking dissects an object to understand its individual parts. Synthetic thinking, on the other hand, considers the whole, its context and dynamics, seeking to grasp the broader implications.
Consider this example - how would you describe sugar?
Scientific Perspective: Sugar is a compound of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms in the ratio CnH2nOn with ‘n’ being between 3 and 7. Additionally, it is the monosaccharides that take this form, but there are also disaccharides and oligosaccharides
Synthetic Perspective: Sugar is "sweet"
Getting back to the supermarket example, you could analyse the ripple effect from every possible option – or take a step back, clarify goals, define overarching principles and adjust as insights emerge. The latter simplifies decision making in a connected system
The Power of Stories and Visuals
Stepping back from the details reveals things you miss when you're buried in the weeds. One of the best ways to ‘zoom out’ is to tell a story. Narratives activate our brain’s pattern-recognition, helping us understand relationships and dynamics. A simple diagram can also work wonders. A thoughtfully constructed "map of the territory" can help everyone understand their roles, responsibilities, and contributions to broader goals.
Synthetic thinking requires time, patience and a willingness to resist quick fixes. Instead of rushing to answers, sit with the problem for a while, reframe it to find alternative views and see the whole system. A blank sheet of paper and a quiet moment—away from daily pressures—can be surprisingly effective in generating insights that reorient the team toward the right path.
Practices for Stepping Back
When overwhelmed, and more detail just adds to the confusion, three simple steps can help:
Clarify Boundaries: Define the scope of focus – holding it lightly as complexity rarely respects strict boundaries.
Visualise the System: Craft and refine stories and diagrams that represent the evolving understanding.
Make Time for Reflection: Regularly pause to consider the bigger picture.
These simple habits can make a real difference. Leaders can see a way through the chaos, keep everyone on the same page and accelerate progress in an interconnected world.
When drowning in the details, step back and look up to see the whole.
