System Thinking

Definition:

• The practice of seeing wholes
• Seeing relationships rather than things
• A system for seeing patterns of change rather than static ‘snap shops”

What are the principles of systems thinking in a learning organization?

• Systems thinking seeks to pull diverse functions and talents together into productive wholes
• This creative process integrates the other four disciplines by fusing them into a coherent body of theory and practice
• ‘Systems thinking’ keeps the other disciplines from being separate gimmicks of organizational fads
• ‘Systems thinking’ continually reminds us that the whole can exceed the sum of its parts

Initial Focus:

• Seek to establish an inclusive manner of leadership, sharing and dialogue.
• This is a time for balance, stabilizing, listening and companioning.
• Look for small well-focused points of leverage and creative action.