Systems thinking
Systemic thinking means looking at phenomena as a system of connections, feedbacks, delays and mutual influences.
Definition
Systems thinking helps you go beyond the linear "A causes B". In complex problems, relationships between elements, side effects, reinforcing and balancing loops, and time delays are important. This makes it easier to find the leverage point instead of just fixing the symptom.
Key ideas
- Connections
- Feedback
- Leverage points
Practice and life
Draw a map of the problem: elements, dependencies, loops and delays. Mark the place where a small change can change the entire layout.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to reduce a complex problem to a single cause. It is also a mistake to ignore the side effects of the intervention.
> There is rarely only one cause operating in a system; the dependency system works more often.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What elements make up this system?
- What loops keep the problem going?
- Where is the leverage point?