In my previous article we explored how the Cynefin framework can help us understand the nature of a challenge. By deciding whether it’s obvious, complicated, complex or chaotic, we can choose the best way to approach it.

Because so many aspects of the Covid-19 pandemic fell (and still continue to fall) into the space of complexity, in this article I’m going to ask you to think back to your experiences of the pandemic as a way of making complexity relatable. If you recall, complexity is the domain in which outcomes are unpredictable, and cause and effect are only clear in hindsight. Issues such as working online and homeschooling during lockdown, being isolated from elderly parents and other family members, and experiencing or fearing job cuts, were just some of the complex challenges many of us faced. All of these issues were fraught with uncertainty. In the face of this, many of us grappled with emotions like anxiety, frustration, hopelessness and despair. Thinking back on it, it’s not surprising that complexity is the domain in which emotions explode.

Steps for navigating complexity

When the world feels too overwhelming and too complex, especially when we can’t fix or solve things the way that we’ve been able to in the past, there’s a tendency to double down on what we already know how to do, even in the face of seeing that it’s not working. It’s quite amazing how that’s what we’re wired for - to try harder. When we feel triggered or threatened, we tend to react by defaulting to old habits instead of behaving more resourcefully - unless we’re practiced. The following steps can help us become more practiced at navigating complexity in the most effective way possible.

Step 1: Seeing complexity objectively
Try to consider the big picture. Just being able to see what we’re dealing with objectively changes the nature of a problem. Effectively, we are no longer subject to it. By creating a small distance from the issue by describing and categorizing it, we start to give ourselves the space to respond rather than react to what’s happening.

Step 2: Notice how complexity ‘out there’ triggers you ‘in here’

We can’t change what we’re not aware of, so it’s vital to start noticing how we’re affected by what’s happening. This doesn’t mean a vague label such as, “I’m feeling down.” It means getting granular about our emotional state and the thoughts and type of behaviours that go with it. This is important because emotions predispose us to think and behave in certain ways. If we don’t pay close attention, we can be at the mercy of our emotions rather than in the driving seat.

Step 3: Develop a physical awareness

Try to notice how a particular emotion and pattern of thinking are playing out physically. Did you feel a tightness in your throat and a churning in your stomach whenever you thought about months of job uncertainty ahead? What happened to your breathing as you anticipated another round of retrenchments? Did you feel a contraction in your muscles and a tightening jaw as another contentious lockdown announcement was made? Using these sorts of physical cues can aid us in recognising when we might be moving in an unhelpful direction.

Step 4: Ground yourself

Why is this important? As Bebe Hanson, a presence-based coach, says so eloquently:

"Our actions arise from our inner state. If our inner state is triggered and reactive, that's going to create certain actions. If our inner state is grounded, and we are 'in presence' and feel settled and resilient, we're going to produce different actions. As we begin to embody presence, we have the ability to extend that presence externally to those we are in relationship with."

In other words, the more grounded we feel, the more resourceful we are. We cannot change our environment, but we can change how we respond to that environment. Our response plays a huge part in shaping our future.

Step 5: Create the right conditions for good things to emerge

In complexity, we don’t have a destination so all we can do is create the best possible conditions for things to move in the right direction. The following practices can help to do this:

• Consider what sorts of behaviours, thoughts and patterns are going to support you the most. Clearly map them out.

• Scan the situation and be present. Learn how to centre yourself physically and emotionally when you become triggered in order that you can stay present. Creating the best conditions for the future happens in the here and now.

• Experiment and learn. This can be internal - working with your own state - or external – playing with new ways of approaching things in your day-to-day life. Rather than focus on the outcome, just notice what you’re doing in the present that might not be working and experiment with something different.

• Design experiments that are clear, pragmatic and short term.

• Don’t go straight into the heart of the issue, start at the edges. See what you can enable and grow what works.

• Try to think differently. Notice that you’re probably drawn to solutions that are habitual so be a little wacky. Come up with ideas that make you slightly nervous. Have a little play.

• Amplify the things that work and dampen down or stop the things that don’t.

• Cultivate both stability and fluidity in yourself. In complexity, balance is critical.

• Develop connection to yourself and others. Cultivating trust allows people to be fluid and also able to depend on each other to do what needs to be done.

Practical examples:

Creating stability:

• Include a centering practice in your day. Here’s a short one that I’ve adapted from leadership embodiment coach, Wendy Palmer. She affectionately calls it ‘the lizard push-up ’ ! It’s not only a grounding practice, but a little experiment too, one that hopefully allows you to experience the power of how shifting your internal state can shift your perception. Give it a try!

• Create rituals such as class, team or family check-ins, or a gratitude practice before supper.

• Put routines in place such as always cooking dinner with your kids on a Friday night.

• Map out what behaviours, thoughts and patterns you’d like more of and what you’d like less of. Keep measuring yourself against these.

Creating fluidity:

• Move your body. Dance about, go for a walk, run up the stairs!

• Invite a small group to an impromptu Zoom meeting to play a quick game or quiz.

• Change the family routine for an evening by playing charades and eating cheese toast for supper. Or, if you started eating cheese toast every night during lockdown, cook something fancy and fun.

• Go for a walk with a colleague rather than meeting them online to discuss something.

• Practice energising and focussing breath work. An example is this alternate nostril breathing exercise:

1. Sit comfortably and rest your left arm on your lap.
2. Make a peace sign with your right hand. Place your two extended fingers on the bridge of your nose.
3. Then, place your thumb on the right nostril. Your ring and little finger will be used to cover your left nostril.
4. Close your right nostril with your thumb and breath in through the left nostril for about 4 seconds.
5. Then, close your left nostril with your ring and little finger, and breathe out for about 4 seconds. Alternate nostrils and repeat 5-10 times.

Please stop the exercise if you feel faint or dizzy.

Connection

Have conversations with families, learners and colleagues that aren’t about tasks and chores, but rather about feelings and states of mind. Ask questions like:

• “What are you learning about yourself as we face this issue?

• “What is most difficult for you?”

• “What would make it easier?”

• “What could we do right now that would make a difference for you?”

• “Is there anything positive that’s come out of this challenge for you?”

Ask yourself these same questions.

In summary

We can’t change our environment, but we can change how we respond to that environment. Seeing our environment for what it is and learning to respond to rather than react, takes practice, but it is possible. The more we can do this, the more we give ourselves the chance to encourage the sort of future we want.

Last note

The ideas offered in this article are an expression of my perspective based on what I’ve learned as a life coach. I offer them in the hope that they might be useful. Please use them at your discretion.

I'm a life and leadership coach who helps people learn how to become their own best resource. If you'd like to have a conversation and find out more about developing new perspectives, please check out the rest of my website: www.claudiaclaytoncoaching.com 

Or get in touch: hello@claudiaclaytoncoaching.com