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HARMONIC ONE COMMUNITIES
Introduction To Systems Thinking
Systems Thinking is not a new concept. It has been used for thousands of years to build man made machines, build systems (microscopic to exascale projects) and to map out our understanding of nature's complexities (human brain, complex ecosystems etc)
WHAT IS IT?
The term “systems thinking” can mean different things to different people. But, fundamentally:
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A tool to help bring awareness to the circular, inter-connected nature of the world we live in
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An awareness of the role of structure in creating the conditions we face;
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A recognition that there are powerful laws of systems operating that we are unaware/aware of; including, a realization that there are consequences to our actions that we are oblivious to.
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involves observing events or data and identifying patterns of behavior overtime, to learn and understand underlying structures that drive those events and patterns.
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By understanding and changing structures that are not serving us well (including our mental models and perceptions), we can expand the choices available to us and create more satisfying, long-term solutions to chronic problems.
WHY AND WHEN TO USE IT?
Systems thinking expands the range of choices available for solving a problem by broadening our thinking and helping us articulate problems in new and different ways.
Problems that are ideal for a systems thinking intervention have the following characteristics:
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The issue is important.
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The problem is chronic, not a one-time event.
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The problem is familiar and has a known history. (i.e. keeps repeating itself with no long term progress)
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People have unsuccessfully tried to solve the problem before.
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