Slow down and take the systems view

“Don’t miss the forest for the trees.”

Did you know this advice is actually talking about systems thinking? In its pure form, it is an element of a disciplined way of thinking referred to as “general systems theory,” which evolved out of the study of biology in the 1920s. Author and MIT systems educator Peter Senge calls this thinking the “fifth discipline,” seeing the whole (the forest) as a framework for patterns and interrelationships.

Many of us are familiar with analytical thinking as a way to solve problems and respond to new challenges. Analytical thinking breaks everything into small components (the trees) and then seeks solutions from that perspective. Analysis has undisputed value in our lives, and works very well when assessing changes needed for a product assembly line or when diagnosing problems with a computer program.

However, with the complexity of today’s world and the growing focus on sustainability, we face new challenges that require new solutions. The challenges are not merely problems to be solved so they go away. The solutions we build today will help define our future. We’d be well served to take a different view of the solution development process.

Our world has changed dramatically due to technology, globalization, economic and cultural diversity. We cannot look to the past for examples of good solutions. We must adopt new assumptions and update our models of how the world works in order to find enduring and sustainable solutions to new questions.

It is time to shift our thinking from the solely analytical to a systems view.

Systems thinking in practice

What does systems thinking look like in practice? As in natural systems, there are seven layers. For the sake of our conversation, we will focus on three of them: the individual, the team and the organization. In practice, each of the three layers will need to make changes in thinking and working methodologies.

First, the individual needs to examine his or her deeply held beliefs about how things work. This is sometimes called a “review of your mental models” and is a very personal journey to discover the thinking that built these models, then evaluate whether or not they are still valid. An important component of this evaluation is being able to tell the truth about how things are today no matter what the question, which undoubtedly requires courage.

Second, the team must begin to learn collaboratively. This means addressing the powerful dynamics that prevent groups of individuals from progressing respectfully through a conversation where everyone is heard. The outcome of a learning session can uncover solutions that were not considered previously. This level of teamwork requires discipline.

Third, the organization or system will need to make a commitment to viewing itself, its customers and suppliers as an interrelated whole in which every action has an impact on all the others. On a certain level, we know this to be true. However, we don’t always take the time to gather the feedback, analyze the results, and then take action through new strategies that take advantage of leverage points. This requires organizations to slow down and follow a structured process. A commitment to slowing down is itself a challenge.

Courage, discipline and slowing down are not easy. However, these actions unlock brand-new solutions within systems that appear intractable and overwhelming. What better time for new inspiration than right now!

Viewing our organizations, communities, country and planet as a system where a new future is being formulated is mighty inspiring to me. The changes taking place around us appear to be chaotic, but in that chaos are seeds of opportunity for everyone.

Take a moment to slow down and identify an opportunity in your system. Demonstrating courage and discipline will inspire others to take action as well. It is my experience that one person can make a difference. Be courageous and make a difference for the future today!

Shirley Esterly is a master facilitator who assists her clients with innovation, strengthened collaboration and building sustainable practices. Her company, QuantumWest, is based in Greeley and she can be reached at

sae@quantumwest.com.

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