ABSTRACT
Muddling through with courage is about being willing to expose the myths and misunderstandings that distort management practice and undermine organizational performance. Muddling through skilfully is about managers finding a way through the wiggly world of organization by paying attention to the multiple, and often conflicting, dynamics that are simultaneously in play in all organizational contexts. Muddling through with purpose, courage and skill is, fundamentally, an act of parallel practice. Practical judgement or, as some call it, "practical wisdom", is the fundamental capability that managers need to exercise, if they are to participate skilfully in their management/leadership role, within the inherent uncertainties, complexities and ambiguities of organization. It is central to the idea of muddling through skilfully and is intimately associated with a manager's capacity to apply practical judgement. Coalitional activity is a fundamental dynamic of effective management practice.
