The Most Puzzling Part of Leadership

About this episode

This episode explores the puzzling aspects of leadership, particularly the distinction between complicated and complex problems.

When 18 out of 23 leaders in a room all gave the same answer — people — to the question "What's the most puzzling part of leadership?", it was hard to ignore. This episode unpacks why. Drawing on a distinction from Arthur Brooks' new book, we explore the difference between complicated problems (ones that can be solved) and complex problems (ones that can only be managed). The cruel irony of leadership? Solve enough complicated problems and you get promoted into a world full of complex ones — and the skills that got you there are almost useless in this new game. If you've ever tried to spreadsheet your way through a relational conflict or a disengaged high performer, this one's for you. We'll talk about what it actually looks like to stop trying to solve the unsolvable — and why leaning into the mystery might be the most important thing you can do as a leader. Podcast produced by ⁠Sound of a Rose

People in this episode

Hosts: Clay Scroggins, Adam Tarnow

Topics covered

• leadership
• complex problems
• complicated problems
• relational conflict
• management

Keywords

• leadership
• complexity
• management
• problems
• Arthur Brooks

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