Leading by Weak Signals
Using Small Data to Master Complexity
- Peter Gomez and Mark Lambertz
Volume 5 in the series De Gruyter Transformative Thinking and Practice of Leadership and Its Development
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110797886Cite thisShare this
Overview
About this book
Master complex problems and face radical uncertainty by unleashing the power of small data
Is your business using data to its optimum potential? In complicated well-structured problem situations, executives rely on Big Data. However, when faced with complexity and uncertainty they are challenged to skillfully handle Small Data. Leading by Weak Signals argues that impending dangers, new business opportunities or innovative ideas may be missed when data are classified as simply not “big enough.”
This insightful book with its new approach initiates a radical shift in perspective from running the business to changing the business. While Big Data are very well suited to run a business efficiently, Small Data lay open phenomena which are connected to transforming a company, like inflection points, scale changes, or critical transitions.
The authors present practical business examples and an 8-step framework to implement their ideas in teams and on the individual level. This offers reflective practitioners a guideline for leveraging the enormous potential of weak signals for effective strategy development and operational execution in times of uncertainty – and gives them the competitive edge they need to succeed.
- A science- and evidence-based framework for reflective practitioners
- A wide range of examples from managerial practice in a variety of organizations
- Newly developed tools for application in teams and on the individual level
Author / Editor information
Peter Gomez is Professor Emeritus for Strategy and Organization at the University of St. Gallen, Switzerland. He was the Rector of his University and President of the Swiss Stock Exchange SIX. He has published widely on Leadership in a Complex World, Systems Thinking in Corporate Practice, and Managing for Public Value.
Mark Lambertz is a Digital Native of the first hour since he learned to program with his first Apple computer at the age of 12. In 1995, he founded one of the first digital agencies in Germany and sold it after 20 years. Today he applies his technological and organizational knowledge in an international company as a transformation manager in the mobility sector headquarters of Robert Bosch GmbH. His focus lies on the Viable System Model, which enables a holistic view of organizations’ culture, processes, roles, and value creation.
Reviews
“In today’s VUCA world, transforming a company requires observation of ‘weak signals’ to uncover early signs of change or disruption. This insightful book provides readers with practical examples and tools to navigate complexity and stay ahead of the competition, as I have personally witnessed in my own company’s journey.” — Torsten Leue, CEO of Talanx AG
“Leading by weak signals” would be seen as “the art of leading” if there were not a science behind it. Peter and Mark are excellent at making its principles and tricks useful for practitioners. In a world of increasing complexity, Leading by Weak Signals is not only part of every leader’s toolkit, but also part of their survival kit. — Martin Pfiffner, author of The Neurology of Business
Leading by Weak Signals
Systems Community of Inquiry 
You must be logged in to post a comment.