Simple Habits for Complex Times

Powerful Practices for Leaders

Jennifer Garvey Berger and Keith Johnston

Narrated by Jean Ann Douglas

Available from Audible

Book published by Stanford University Press

When faced with complex challenges or uncertain outcomes, many leaders believe that if they are smart enough, work hard enough, or turn to the best management tools, they will be able to find the right answer, predict and plan for the future, and break down tasks to produce controllable results. But what are leaders to do when this isn't the case?

Rather than offering one-size-fits-all tips and tricks drawn from the realm of business as usual, Simple Habits for Complex Times provides three integral practices that enable leaders to navigate the unknown. By taking multiple perspectives, asking different questions, and seeing more of their system, leaders can better understand themselves, their roles, and the world around them. They can become more nimble, respond with agility, and guide their organizations to thrive in an ever-shifting business landscape. The more leaders use these simple habits, the more they enhance their performance and solve increasingly common, sticky business issues with greater acumen.

Whether in large or small organizations, in government or the private sector, in the U.S. or overseas, leaders will turn to this book as a companion that helps them grow into the best version of themselves.

Jennifer Garvey Berger uses her expertise in complexity of mind to support leaders around the world through coaching and leadership development programs. She is a Partner in Cultivating Leadership, a leadership development consultancy. For more information, please visit www.garveyberger.com.

Keith Johnston is a founding partner of Cultivating Leadership and the former Global Chair of Oxfam International.

REVIEWS:

“Berger and Johnston focus on several perspectives and actions that leaders can use to guide their organizations through difficult times ... This well-written and well-researched book will especially appeal to those in leadership positions who are looking for effective tools to deal with change and challenges ... Recommended.”

—CHOICE

“Three cheers!!! This book doesn't just tell you how. It shows you how to become a more effective leader in conditions of complexity and vulnerability—in other words, circumstances that we face all the time. Rather than a simple recipe that fits some adolescent dream of perfection, it's an invitation into lifelong learning that will transform you and your organization. Welcome! All aboard?”

—William R. Torbert, Boston College and Principal, Action Inquiry Associates

“This book is a superb exploration of the ways that complexity calls on leaders to think, act, and engage differently. It will leave you with a few simple, yet powerful, habits that will change you as a leader ... and a person. A landmark work!”

—Michael Rennie, Global Leader, McKinsey & Company, Organization and Leadership Practice

“Garvey Berger and Johnston are superb teachers! Simple Habits for Complex Times is a perfect blend of 'story' and 'lesson.' You'll keep turning the pages and the pages will turn you into a better leader.”

—Robert Kegan, Harvard University and co-author of Immunity to Change

“"Faced with dramatic change, leaders in all sectors must boldly think anew. As a woman from the global south, leading a large global non-government organization, I need new models and approaches to leading in this new world. Keith and Jennifer offer me stimulating and refreshing advice on how I can think and act differently to achieve enduring change.”

—Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, Oxfam International

“This is the perfect guide to corporate transformation. Changing consumption patterns are turning business models upside down. Garvey Berger and Johnston show you how to drain the swamp of ambiguity, squarely face unexpected challenges, and seize new opportunities.”

—Eric Passmore, Chief Technology Officer, Online Publishing and Media, Microsoft Corporation

“Faced with dramatic change, leaders in all sectors must boldly think anew. As a woman from the global south, leading a large global non-government organization, I need new models and approaches to leading in this new world. Keith and Jennifer offer me stimulating and refreshing advice on how I can think and act differently to achieve enduring change.”

—Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director, Oxfam International

“Berger and Johnston offer a refreshing and bold take on meeting the challenges of leadership, fearlessly slaying sacred cows of previous theories to illuminate a model for the emerging future.”

—Erica Ariel Fox, New York Times bestselling author of Winning From Within

“This is mandatory reading if you want a shot at navigating complexity with grace. Jennifer and Keith render complexity visible, accessible, and workable. We all know about the pressures of uncertainty and the rapid pace of change, but 'the how' of being a leader has been unfathomable—until now.”

—Gayle Karen K. Young, Chief Talent and Culture Officer, Wikimedia Foundation