When Systems Go Non-Linear

We are in interesting times indeed.  What makes for interesting times is non-linearity.  In other words when a system that has been functioning in a linear, predictable way suddenly or not so suddenly, the system goes haywire and predictability disappears.  

We are in one of those times.  These times are characterized by dislocation, pain, and uncertainty.  What to do?

First of all, dealing with what's real is essential.  As human beings we love to stick our heads in the sand and pretend "This isn't happening!"  The people who bought homes an hour and a half from work because that's the only place they could afford the mortgage are now between a rock and a hard place because of the price of gas.  Can't sell the SUV, can't sell the house.

Dealing with what's real means tackling the problem head-on and not assuming it's going to get better somehow.

If you're not sure what to do, talk to people, solicit ideas.  Run experiments so you can gather real-world information.  If you are a business person whose business has gone non-linear, while not fun, is inevitably a source of new and creative opportunities.  Chances are if your business has gone non-linear, others have as well.  What can you do to help them?

Interesting times are actually the times of greatest opportunity.  But not for the complacent or faint of heart.