Leading by Weak Signals

Complementary to relying on Big Data, which unfolds its power primarily in the context of complicated, well-structured problem situations, executives faced with complexity and uncertainty are challenged to skillfully handle the few available data. Leading by Weak Signals focuses on Small Data and argues that impending dangers, new business opportunities or innovative ideas may be missed when data are classified as simply not "big enough". This approach initiates an explicit shift in perspective from running the business to changing the business. While Big Data are very well suited to run a business efficiently, Small Data lay open phenomena which are connected to transforming a company, e.g., inflection points, scale changes, critical transitions, or punctuated equilibria found in nature or detected by empirical business research. The authors of this book present practical business examples and instruments to implement their ideas in teams and on the individual level. This new approach offers reflective practitioners a solid guideline for leveraging the enormous potential of weak signals for effective strategy development and operational execution in times of uncertainty - and to be the deciding step ahead of the competition.