In this video, I answer the question, ‘What is the Stacey Matrix?’ and look at how it distinguishes Simple, Complicated, Complex, and Chaotic.
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The Stacey Matrix
The Stacey Matrix was developed by Ralph Douglas Stacey. It helps us understand the factors that contribute to complexity and choose the best management approach, accordingly.
Stacey did not specifically design it to address project delivery but Project managers are good at finding and adapting useful tools and ideas to our own needs. We can use it to assess the complexity of a potential project, and therefore to determine the best approach to take to delivering it.
So, the Stacey matrix is primarily a tool we use to help with tailoring our projects.
Different Versions of the Stacey Matrix
There are different versions of the Stacey Matrix – at differing levels of sophistication or simplicity.
It is also worth mentioning that it forms a complementary tool with the Cynefin framework, which we can also use to understand the level of complexity.
Indeed, the most common format for presenting the Stacey Matrix at the moment seems to echo the Cynefin Framework in the terms it uses.
To my mind, the Stacey Matrix is easier to understand, so I shall present a simpler version in my description.
The Basics of the Stacey Matrix
The Stacey Matrix starts with two dimensions:
- The relative uncertainty and level of agreement about the requirements we need to address
- The relative uncertainty and understanding of the technology and approaches we need, to deliver the project
According to where your project sits on this two-dimensional map, you can assess it as simple, complicated, complex, or chaotic.
The Zones of the Stacey Matrix
Close to Agreement and High Understanding
These are simple projects for which it is obvious what you need to do, and how to get there. This needs basic planning. A simple project process, like a lightweight form of predictive project management, will work well.
Hard to reach Agreement and High Understanding
Here, we have a situation complicated by the internal politics among stakeholders. This is complicated by the stakeholders. The skills we will need to focus on are listening, negotiating, coalition-building, consensus-forming, conflict management, and decision-making.
Close to Agreement and Limited Understanding
Here, it is clear what stakeholders want and need, but the process of achieving it needs further understanding. This is complicated by the process and problem-solving requirement. Often there will be a discovery process that calls for a measure of incrementalism and iteration. Hybrid approaches to project delivery will work well here.
Far from Agreement and Low Understanding
At the extreme of the map, management is hard. The situation is likely to be fluid, ambiguous, and confusing. You will need to deploy the widest possible range of skills and tools to make sense. And you may need to act quickly. This zone is sometimes referred to as anarchic.
So, look for methods that are well-suited to rapid iteration and constant review. This calls for fully agile approaches, with a minimum of committed planning and an ability to make quick decisions.
Because of the level of risk here, it is worth considering whether such projects can be split up and simplified… or even abandoned.
Intermediate Zone
This is a zone of complexity, where you will need all your team facilitation skills, to drive creative thinking and harness innovative ideas. Pre-cast solutions are likely to be of little use here, but deep experts should be able to deploy their intuition to help resolve difficulties.
Build short-term processes to solve one problem at a time and be prepared to re-assess what you learned earlier, in the light of new information.
Solid agile frameworks and methods like Scrum and Kanban can work well here, as long as you are prepared to adapt them to emerging requirements.
Recommended Videos and Articles to Help with Complexity and Confusion
Carefully curated video recommendations for you:
- What is Cynefin? What is the Cynefin Framework? | Video
- Uncertainty Performance Domain: How to Deal with Risk in a VUCA Context
- What is VUCA? …and VUCA’ (VUCA Prime) | Video
- Top 10 Tips for How to Thrive in a VUCA Project Environment
- 4 Types of Project Risk – Different Forms of Uncertainty | Video
- Handling Contradictions – How Well do you Cope with Uncertainty? | Video
- What is The Cone of Uncertainty? | Video
What Kit does a Project Manager Need?
I asked Project Managers in a couple of forums what material things you need to have, to do your job as a Project Manager. They responded magnificently. I compiled their answers into a Kit list. I added my own.
Check out the Kit a Project Manager needs
Note that the links are affiliated.
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