Introduction 01How this book came about 02Chapter 1The Wicked World Dilemma 8Changing landscape of the 21st century 12Could you add a little VUCA, please? 14How the military sees the world 15Brewing the Wicked World dilemma 17The Wicked World is one of seismic paradigm shifts 18One more step to go 21Solving wicked problems 25The fundamental challenges of the Wicked World 27To sum things up 29Questions for Refection | References 30Chapter 2Your personal script 32Patterns are everywhere 35Nature, nurture, and the patterns that define us 39The personal patterns hampering growth 41Moving from personal patterns to personal script 43Understanding your Operating System 45Invite new perspectives 48Relationship dynamics: it takes two (or more) to tango 50Understanding the ecosystem 51Keeping your personal script up-to-date ls like a marathon 53Questions for Refection | References 54Chapter 3The Org Script 56Why do we organise at all – and what for? 62The nature of the firm 62Enhancing efficiency 64Belief is the foundation 65It’s an interpersonal reality 66How we think shapes our reality 68Language creates our world 71Believing is seeing 73How to unlock the Org Script 74An ongoing process 80Rolling down the river 83A recap on the Org Script 85Questions for Refection | References 86Chapter 4Embracing different perspectives 88The call for a systemic horizon 91The evolution of perspective 92Moving beyond reductionist thinking 93Making sense of complexity 94Ubuntu as a way of making sense 98Ecosystem mindset 104Embracing diversity and inclusion 106Gestalt as a lens for making sense 107Bringing it all together 113Questions for Refection | References 116Chapter 5Dance with the Wicked World 118How adults learn 121The challenge of being both observer and analyst 125The power of listening 130Explore your negative capabilities 135Using both halves of your brain 138Seeing the bigger picture – spiritual intelligence in a Wicked World 140How to go forward: micro habits 142Your best tools going forward 145Questions for Refection | References 146Epilogue 148Life is an ongoing journey 149Acknowledgements 152Are you ready to tackle the complexities of today’s business world? Look no further: Leading in a Wicked World will guide you on your journey.This book is an essential read for those looking for success in today’s rapidly changing world. We offer you a wealth of knowledge and practical leadership strategies for leading in the Wicked World we live in, illustrated by real-world examples that bring these concepts to life.
We explore:- The key trends shaping today’s business landscape and what leading really means in a Wicked World – a world of upheaval, growing complexity, digitisation, and where old paradigms continue to crash.- How personal scripts and patterns affect leadership, plus how to shift your leadership style to better align with your organisation’s needs.- A new framework that helps leaders make sense of organisations in a Wicked World.- Inspiration and suggestions of how you can dance with the Wicked World.
The authors of Leading in a Wicked World, Sonja Wekema & Matthias Schramm, have first-hand experience leading and coaching international leaders in how to handle the Wicked World. They understand the challenges accompanying this type of leadership and wrote this book to give you the best tools and strategies needed to navigate this new terrain successfully.
Marit Maij, Director Action Aid'Leading in a Wicked World is a challenge. But as this inspirational book informs us, it is also something we do together. Ubuntu leadership teaches us that we can only lead if we create space for others and practice empathy. The book is a welcome addition to the Feminist Leadership Principles that lead our work at ActionAid. Sharing power and leading by example are at the hart of our daily practice. Thank you Sonja and Matthias for sharing your valuable insights.’
Lucas van Wees, Board Member WFPMA (World Federation of People Management Associations)‘Another inspiring contribution to thinking and doing about leadership and organisations. With a nod to ‘Alice in Wonderland’ and in a beautifully crafted narrative.’
Gerard Penning, Non-Executive Director Alliander, Board Member Sustainable Energy for All (SE for All), Former CHRO ABN AMRO'Leading in a Wicked World is an unconventional and gripping guide into effective leadership for the challenges of today and the years that lie ahead - fasten your seatbelts and enjoy the ride’
