The difference between Simple, Complicated and Complex tasks

At Its Core, It’s All about Systems Thinking

A Simple Task

Making coffee is a simple task because it is straightforward, it doesn’t require much skill training and it’s easy to determine if you’ve achieved the right result.

A Complicated Task

Preparing accounting statements is complicated because you need to be an expert who understands financial rules. Following these rules exactly produces a well-defined outcome. You can reproduce this outcome by giving the same task to another accountant who should come up with the same results.

A Complex Task

Giving a sales presentation differs from making coffee or preparing accounting statements because it doesn’t follow a prescribed, linear path to success. Each sales meeting is unique; results depend on positive interaction between you and the client. You can rehearse for the meeting, but your intuition will be your most important asset in achieving a successful outcome. That makes this a complex task.

Decision Framework

1. Can you define a successful outcome in an easy, objective way? If so, this might be a simple or a complicated task, not a complex one.
2. Do you know the required success factors and elements? If yes, this can be a simple or a complicated task, but, again, not a complex one.
3. Does execution of the task demand exactitude? Must you follow precise rules? If so, it’s likely to be a complicated task. If not, then it’s a simple task.

Complexity arises in situations in which employees or consumers (agents) change their minds or courses of action (ability to adapt) because of their interactions (connection).

Managing Complexity

4 strategies for dealing with complexity:

1. “Identify system type” – Take a step back and analyze the issue. Are you dealing with a simple, complicated or complex situation? Can you define the outcome objectively? Do you know the factors required? Must you follow exact rules to carry out the task?
2. “Think ‘manage, not solve’” – “Tic-tac-toe” has rules. Chess has rules, too, but the game is far more complex. Business is like chess. Stay in the moment and choose your next move rather than seeking a single overarching solution.
3. “Try, learn, adapt” – Rather than forming a “grand plan” in a complex situation, approach the problem from curiosity and alter your moves as you work through the challenge. This approach resembles the “Lean Start-up” model in which you “build, measure and learn” as you develop ideas.
4. “Develop a complexity mind-set”