Learn Systems Thinking

Book excerpt: The challenges of the 21st century - from humanitarian to economic to environmental-demand new ways of thinking and more complex, flexible ways of acting. We no longer live in a disconnected world, due to the advances in technology and travel; a globalized world and economy require different approaches. "Systems thinking" is a highly developed and influential way of looking at the myriad and complicated interactions between humans, institutions, and natural processes.This book will help you understand the basics of systems thinking while providing you with the motivation to apply these tenants to your professional and personal life. From a thorough grounding in its basic principles to examples of how systems thinking works in real-time situations, the lessons and suggestions herein will guide you through the basic tenants, such as interconnectedness, synthesis, emergence, feedback loops, causality, and systems mapping. Move past the traditional forms of linear, mechanistic thinking to a more complex and dynamic way to solve problems, plan strategically, and make smarter decisions.Some of the specific material you will encounter in this book includes: An overall understanding of systems thinking and how each basic tenant leads to a greater understanding of this new approach to professional and personal success A detailed understanding of the archetypes that are identified within systems thinking, such as drifting goals and success to the successful, and how to utilize those archetypes in developing plans Chapters on how to specifically cultivate problem-solving skills, strategic planning, and forward-thinking decision making An understanding of mental modes and how we use them and how to change them to incorporate into our larger vision for the future A pragmatic guide to achieving success within a complex and dynamic world that requires new and original ways of thinking about how we interact with others and with systems themselves Whether you implement the practices of systems thinking within an organization or in your own interactions with the world, you will find it to be a dynamic and creative way to confront whatever challenges stand before you. The world in which we live isn't static; therefore, our responses to problem-solving and making smart decisions must also be active and engaged. Employing the new tools proposed by systems thinking will assist us cultivating this kind of adaptive and responsive skill set. Systems thinking encourages us to think in a three dimensional way and learning the terms and tools of this new approach to business, and the world can assist us in solving the complex problems that we face, as well as encourage us to plan well and make smarter decisions for our future.