Tools for Systems Thinkers - The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking

*focus: adaptability *focus: creativity *focus: speed type: articles workout: complex problem-solving Apr 14, 2020

The world we live and lead in is interconnected, evolving and ambiguous. In our series on Complex Problem solving we discuss 'systems thinking' as a both a mindset and a toolset used by human-centered designers.

What is a system? We hear it all the time… “There’s no sense in trying to buck the system,” we might say. Or, “This job’s getting out of control, I’ve got to establish a system.” Whether you are aware of it or not, we are a member of many systems – your family, a community, a church, and your company are all systems. And your complex problem exists within these systems too.

A system is:

Made up of parts
Has patterns
Has a purpose

System parts work together, leveraging patterns to achieve a purpose…. Looking at our problem as perhaps a part of a broader 'system' or set of systems allows us make connections, establish cause and effect and uncover ideas that have broader implications when tried together. These are all things that may not be apparent at first glance of a complex problem. Understanding that there are different types of systems helps us lead better..

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