Systems Thinking for Real Solutions and Desirable Outcomes

        The effects of multidirectional mind-bending change, social fragmentation, and disjointed human communication are continually destabilizing the foundations of the structures of several of America’s organizational institutions.  Systems thinking emerges as a clear and effective alternative method to the current exhaustive linear reductionist quantitative analysis used to debate our social and organizational problems.

        Today, more than ever, systems thinking is needed—because we are overwhelmed by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA conditions), which can easily undermine confidence and responsibility.  A Systems thinking approach can move us beyond debate and into problem-solving; creating the solutions that produce the desired outcomes we need.

Systems Thinking and How it Affects Your Life

Systems Thinking born out of Biology —with a focus on the interconnection, interrelation, and interdependence of the elements that form an integrated unified whole (holistic) that achieves a purpose or function.  Systems Thinking puts a new emphasis on complexity, networks, and patterns of organization in living systems. It involves a new kind of thinking—taking a holistic view of our biologically, cognitive sociological, and ecological systems and how they affect our everyday lives.

Ø The elements/components of any system may vary—there’re not necessarily tangible, they can be intangible (cultural traits, educational prowess, a sense of community pride, etc.) depending upon the system, whether it be biological, sociological, ecological, or cognitive

Ø All Systems maintain organized networks that take on patterns that produce their own holistic structural and behavioral properties that have a purpose or function; structure determines what behaviors are latent within the system

Ø The whole is greater than the sum of its parts!  Systems Thinking requires a paradigm shift in your thinking (metanoia)—from seeing individual objects or parts to recognizing the patterns in the network of relationships