Complex & Complicated Problems — How to Diagnose and Manage them
There are many words in the English language that are used interchangeably within everyday dialogue. Terms that the English dictionary give distinguishable meanings to but during colloquial conversation, we find ourselves muddling our words without realising it. Fortunately, most of the time, it doesn’t matter. People accept that mistakes are made and we aren’t forced to constantly question ourselves.
“Is it much further…sorry, farther to the beach?”
“When we get to the beach, shall we lay on the sand or lie on the sand?”
“It may be a good day….no, no….it might be a good day to buy an ice cream”
“Forget this…it’s too stressful visiting the beach. We’re driving home!”
In the business world however, words matter. Whereas in everyday conversation we could interchangeably describe something as being either complicated or complex, in the business world there are differentiating meanings behind both terms. These terms vary so much so that by inadvertently handling a complex problem as if it were complicated can cost the business dearly. By learning how to identify a problem as being either complex or complicated and subsequently knowing how to approach resolving the issue is invaluable to leaders.
