When your systems are so interconnected there might be no obvious start point breaking things down. If you don’t know where to start, or specifically how to start, the problem can get kicked down the road a little further.

Often we know where the cans of worms are, but we decided they are best left unopened for the moment.

It's all too easy to it let slide when hearing misinformation, a political spin on things or an incorrect assumption. Especially when coming from someone senior.

What could a biologist tell us about running businesses? A lot—if you’re willing to make some connections - see Harvard Business Reviews Embracing Complexity

KISS states that simple systems should be preferred over complex ones. The underlying goal of any integration project needs to be to simplify integrations where possible.

Take a look at the late Hans Rosling talk about the complexity of population growth and climate change and another about the relationship over time between religion and birth-rates around the world . Also see the work his son is doing at Gapminder

In that it is ever changing but can be understood by taking it apart (through observation and analysis). It's always good to find ways to talk about complexity, have a listen to the first podcast from The clock and the cat that compares things that are complicated (such as a clock) to things that are complex (such as a cat)

Watch this excellent TED talk from Phil Tetlow on 8 steps to understanding information (and maybe the universe)