A633.5.3.RB - Reflections on Chaos

The video by Obolensky (2008) showed how individuals are capable of functioning with clear objectives, simple rules, the discretion to act freely, and the willingness of participants to keep chaos to a minimum. The exercise in the video showed individuals working together in order to achieve their goal using clear boundaries because in complexity there is a balance when the eight principles work together.

In the beginning of the video, Obolensky (2008) gave the participants instructions of what they were to do for the exercise, he stated the objective and the rules to follow which Obolensky (2010) explained are sufficient to enable effective action and to keep the system from descending into too much chaos. Once the initial step was complete, he set the participants free to begin the exercise, Obolensky (2010) explained that each person has the ability to judge distance and move accordingly known as skill; those who want to do the exercise, the willingness to participate. The participants worked together and used discretion, (2010) the freedom to act without having to wait for permission or needing guidance to act which way to go in order to complete the activity. The individuals understood there was an underlying goal to achieve and needed to utilize their skills and abilities to achieve the task. 

The exercise reflects what I try to practice each day with the 15 employees I supervise, however; it is not always as simple and non-chaotic as in the video. In order to reach the level of leadership Obolensky utilized in the video takes time, practice, and trial and error from experience. Furthermore, the participants must be willing to learn the skills needed and motivated to complete the tasks as well. In order to improve my leadership skills and to be effective, I will need to reinforce the eight principles because I lack balancing chaos because I am uncomfortable with the unknown. From the psychological aspect, I have a low tolerance of ambiguity and chaos because it causes stress and overwhelming feelings. However, Obolensky (2010) explained that chaos and complexity does not always mean a disaster but learning how to balance chaos with order. The eight principles will be a learning curve for many years as I learn the art of balance.             

Obolensky, N. (2008, April 12). Who needs leaders? [Video file]. Retrieved from

     https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41QKeKQ2O3E

Obolensky, N. (2010). Complex Adaptive Leadership. Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing Limited.