Aperture Book of the Month - February 2024

Aperture Strategy’s book of the month for February is ‘Sensemaking’ by Christian Madsbjerg. We were initially drawn to the subtitle, ‘What makes human intelligence essential in the age of the algorithm’, and we find we have much in common with Madsbjerg’s practical experiences and perspective. Not only do we share his concerns about today’s over-reliance on technology and mechanistic approaches to strategy and planning, but we also recognise the human advantage when dealing with complex (and often irrational) adaptive systems.

Data offers pieces of a puzzle, but sensemaking helps one see the whole picture, including the story behind it. This richer understanding is crucial for navigating complexity, especially involving human behaviour.

Madsbjerg sets out his version of sensemaking as an alternative approach that goes beyond data analysis and involves interpreting information within a broader cultural and historical context. His ideas therefore resonate with the structure of our own ‘Four Frames’ approach to strategy design and implementation with its systems-thinking foundation where context is key.

‘Sensemaking’ will be a thought-provoking read for anyone who thinks the foundation of strategy is deterministic, reductionist, or can be driven by a scientific analysis of numbers and algorithms.  It's a call to embrace and celebrate the value of the power of human intelligence in a world increasingly dominated by technology.