Managers and consultants are obsessed with analysis. We think that if we have all the data, and are smart enough, we can crack all problems. Why is analysis so important? Analysis is only one style of dealing with problems. We seem to have forgotten all about synthesis, the opposite approach. Where analysis focuses on working within the boundaries of a certain domain (taking one big thing into smaller pieces), synthesis connects various domains. This is particularly useful when being confronted with something more fundamental than a straightforward problem, such as a dilemma.
Why are there no people calling themselves ‘synthesist’?
With this thought, I started writing on my new book: "Dealing with Dilemmas". Three years of research, many case studies, and a global survey are the result. The book is expected in september 2010.
Small print: this web site, survey, and the research it contributes to, is not directly related to my employer,
and expresses my personal opinions only.
The book "Dealing with Dilemmas" is expected in september 2010. However, over the coming months I will publish some more results that came out of the research. Download the first paper here.