Systems of any kind are made up of interconnected components. Common examples of systems are the human body, automobiles, earth, computers, and even an organization. In a system each part may appear to perform alright on its own, but often a change in one area can have a ripple effect throughout. In fact, this interconnectivity is the very reason why a Systems Thinking Approach to problem-solving in a business is highly effective.
What is Systems Thinking and how does it work?
Initially used for strategic planning and management in the late 1980s, Systems Thinking is a proactive problem-solving technique. Traditional analysis involves breaking a large, complex problem or issue into smaller pieces in order to deal with them more easily. This is because our brain is generally programmed to break issues down and solve them in parts which is in direct opposition to how systems thinking works.
Systems thinking takes individual pieces and places them in context with other related elements. It studies the connection of various components and explores how each part affects one other. Moreover, it looks at how individual elements interact with and influence one another to create a complex whole.
The Benefits of using Systems Thinking
Be warned, systems thinking does not give short-term easy fixes to complex problems, but rather it is a process of thinking about systems. Looking at the problem as a whole does the following:
- Helps identify issues in context of the system,
- Analyzes solutions clearer,
- Promotes innovation, and
- Provides the insight and foresight to make long-term decisions about sustainable solutions.
Solve problems by looking at the bigger picture and find better solutions with a Systems Thinking approach. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Keera today and learn how to start.