One of the major tools of systems analysis is systems thinking.
Organizations have increasingly accepted systems thinking because it correlates to improved performance. Studies show that systems thinking competencies such as process orientation, systems logic and understanding of mental models have the highest correlation to improved organizational performance.
The systems thinking approach is fundamentally different from a reductionist method of thinking. Reductionist thinking breaks down a system to its component pieces and deals with each separately. One of the unfortunate outcomes of reductionist thinking is that what may be good for a sub-system might be bad for the larger system.
The most powerful outcome of systems thinking is the sustained improvement of output in both efficiency and effectiveness. Sustained improvements are accomplished by the intentional and planned selection and adjustment of multiple variables across disciplines.
Many businesses now use systems thinking to resolve issues because it’s a better fit with organizations’ multiple layers of complexities. Businesses exist in many contexts – socio, economic, geopolitical, technical, etc. Systems within systems within systems are increasingly more common. The larger the business the more complex the interactions.
A systems thinking approach permits organizations to properly evaluate the interrelations of systems, comprehend the forces that are at work on the business and subsequently choose changes that result in improved production both in the near term and in the long term.
Many tools are at the disposal of the systems thinker, such as systems mapping. There are many ways to map, from analog cluster mapping to complex digital feedback analysis.
Regardless of the preferred mapping method, the fundamental principles and practices of systems mapping are universal. Identify and map the elements of things within a system to understand how they interconnect, relate and act in a complex system.
That should lead into insights and discoveries that can be used to develop interventions, shifts, or policy decisions that will dramatically change the system in the most effective way.
Systems Thinking Training Programs
Tonex offers a 2-day course, Systems Thinking Training that covers systems mapping and all other important areas of systems thinking including:
- Complexity Theory
- System Dynamics: The Fifth Discipline
- Hard Systems Thinking
- Creativity and Systems
- Interactive Planning
- Strategic Assumption Surfacing and Testing
- Critical Systems Heuristic
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for business leaders, executives, strategic leaders and mid-level and senior managers.
Why Tonex?
- Tonex trainers are excellent with real life experiences in their areas of specialization.
- Presenting highly customized learning solutions is what we do. For over 30 years Tonex has worked with organizations in improving their understanding and capabilities in topics often with new development, design, optimization, regulations and compliances that, frankly, can be difficult to comprehend.
- Ratings tabulated from student feedback post-course evaluations show an amazing 98 percent satisfaction score.
For more information, questions, comments, contact us.