Leading in Hyper-Complexity

Today’s leaders and managers have to operate in an environment characterised by complexity. What does coping with this ever- and faster-increasing degree of complexity require of them? It means that if they are to deal successfully with all the challenges they need to reconsider their leadership approaches.

Leading in Hyper-complexity is dedicated to all experienced managers and leaders who lead across space and time while simultaneously operating in ‘conventional’ structures. It takes a closer look at how to lead, and how to navigate in today’s complex and sometimes unpredictable business environment.

Anyone experienced in tackling today’s complexity will know that you cannot expect to find easy-to-follow recipes for success. But we are not powerless, as is shown by the ten in-depth interviews with top managers from different cultures featured in this book. These describe in very practical terms their personal and professional struggles with complexity. 

Based on decades of consulting and coaching experience working with such leaders and managers, the authors describe seven modular ‘Apps’ which they have developed to assist in dealing with complexity in the work environment. These Apps enable readers to get a better understanding of the ‘complexity mix’ in their own environments and then make a positive impact with the results they create.

But just a word of warning! There is still a lot to understand in order to be fit for the next leadership generation. To foster further work and inspiration in this direction the authors have shared a lot of their ‘work in progress’ in the extended Appendix.

Dr. Marcus Hildebrandt is founder and Managing Director of learning.de and head of Virtual Performance Improvement (VPI(r)) at intercultures. Marcus has been working internationally as an executive coach and consultant in the fields of Personnel Development, Leadership Development, and Organisation Development, and has created innovative learning and meeting formats for the past 16 years. A physicist by training, he has done pioneering work on virtual teams, and on e-coaching and e-moderation. He co-developed the Virtual Performance Assessment (VPA(r)) and the Interpersonal Feedback Profiler, two tools that help professionals to improve the performance of global teams, groups, and networks. Line Jehle is founder and Managing Director of perform-globally.com. She has been working internationally as an Executive Coach and Consultant for the past 18 years. Her professional focus is on helping organisations to improve their global performance through executive training courses and coaching. Because of her Danish heritage and time spent living and working abroad, Line has directly felt and experienced the influences of different cultures. Line co-developed the Virtual Performance Assessment (VPA(r)), a tool that helps professionals understand how they can improve the performance of global teams, groups, and networks. She is a member of the International Coaching Federation. Stefan Meister is founder and Managing Director of intercultures, an international consulting and training company that helps organisations to work efficiently with global complexity. As a trainer, consultant, and coach he has worked with over 70 companies in more than 30 different countries. As most international business communication today is virtual, Stefan sees virtual performance as a key factor for future organisational success. He has co-created the Virtual Performance Assessment (VPA)(r) and the Interpersonal Feedback Profile.