Storm Beach

I am a big fan of systems thinking. However, I sometimes struggle with the literature and application. The science often baffles me (I prefer the art). The Kauffman’s define Systems Thinking in simpler, if not simple terms.

Using a bicycle metaphor to describe how 2+ things are stronger together and more stable. The importance of feedback loops. ‘Balancing feedback’ loops that negate change, to create stability. As well as ‘reinforcing feedback” loops that amplify change.

If I look at Systems Thinking through the lens of leadership seeing the big picture often ranks as one of the most important habits. I also found good evidence that complex systems:

• Appear purposeful
• Anticipate changes in the environment
• Can reproduce, or replicate
• Learn and modify
• Reorganise themselves
• Invent goals, not merely choose

I’ll finish with a cautionary leadership tale about hidden systems. In the 1660s the doctors at the time didn’t know how the Great Plague of London was being transmitted. But they thought it might have something to do with cats and dogs. Acting on this theory London’s city leadership ordered cats and dogs to be killed. Reducing a significant number of predators that were previously keeping the rats carrying the disease in check.