How do you incorporate systems thinking and systems mapping into your daily work and decision making?

Um sistema é um construto social utilizado para abordar temas complexos em alto nível de abstração. O conceito de sistema é altamente subjetivo e existe apenas de forma conceitual. Embora os sistemas provavelmente existam na natureza, quando definimos uma fronteira para englobar determinado sistema, essa fronteira é artificial. Esta é uma perspectiva de soft systems que se contrapõe à noção de hard systems.

Drawing from my personal experiences, I've found that systems thinking offers a structured approach to understanding complex interconnections and dynamics within the industry. One way I incorporate systems thinking is by analyzing the entire ecosystem of hospitality and tourism, including various stakeholders, processes, and technologies. This holistic view helps me identify potential bottlenecks, feedback loops, and areas for improvement. For example, when developing a new technology solution for guest experiences, I consider not only the technical aspects but also how it impacts staff workflows, customer satisfaction, and overall business operations.

Uma das formas de compreender um sistema é que é algo que atende as seguintes quatro características: a) um conjunto organizado de elementos / componentes, b) que interagem entre si, c) de acordo com padrões estabelecidos, e d) com um objetivo / finalidade (ou um conjunto de objetivos).

A system is the point of view of one or several observers. Whether our view—or their view—is "good" or "bad" can be judged only according to the purposes which the system is designed to satisfy. —Gerald Weinberg In truth, there is only one system, "the Universe," and all other systems are really just sub-systems of this larger system. The relevant question has to do with where one chooses to draw the boundary. —Gene Bellinger

Incorporating systems thinking and systems mapping into daily work involves identifying interconnections and feedback loops, considering the broader context of decisions, and understanding how changes in one area can impact the entire system. This approach helps in making more holistic and informed decisions that consider the long-term implications and unintended consequences on various stakeholders and components of the system.

Incorporating systems thinking into your day-to-day work involves consciously applying the four patterns of thought known as D,S,R,P: Making Distinctions (D): Start by identifying and acknowledging the different elements within your work environment. Organizing Systems (S): Recognize the part-whole relationships. See how your tasks contribute to the broader objectives. Recognizing Relationships (R): Look for the connections between different elements. How does one task affect another? What are the dependencies and feedback loops that influence outcomes? Taking Perspectives (P): Consider different viewpoints. How do your colleagues see the situation? What might be the perspective of other stakeholders like customers or management?

When you come together with others for a purpose, you form a system. Add or remove those who came together; you no longer have that system. Change your (or their) purpose, and you won’t have the same system anymore. What you experience in the system results from the interactions of those who are part of that system. Whether you accomplish your goals and how you feel are a consequence of the purposes and interactions of those who are part of your system.

There are many interpretations for a system. I define a system as a collection of interrelated objects that each generate their own pattern of behavior over time. These objects are connected in such a way that they produce an overall pattern or behavior that is unique to the system itself. This definition emphasizes the interconnectedness and interdependence of the components within a system, highlighting how they work together to form a cohesive whole.

Think of a system like a hidden blueprint within any task or situation. Here's why finding that blueprint is crucial: - Seeing the big picture: Defining a system forces you to zoom out, identifying the connected parts that drive the results you're looking at. - Finding leverage points: Systems mapping reveals where small changes can make a major impact, letting you work smarter, not harder. - Uncovering hidden patterns: Problems and solutions aren't always where you think. Systems thinking helps you see the unexpected connections. Example: A messy desk isn't just clutter. It's a system with inputs (papers), outputs (work), and processes (where you put things). Changing that system can boost productivity!

Systems approaches (and the professional body lists 13 different systems approaches) are the set of tools developed specifically to tackle complexity and uncertainty. The essential reason to use systems approaches is that they give you a handle on emergent properties and how those emerge. The idea of 'root causes' really belongs to a different dicipline - the world of process management.

Systems mapping is another valuable tool that I use to visualize and communicate these complex systems. By creating detailed maps that illustrate relationships, dependencies, and causal loops, I can better grasp the systemic implications of different decisions. This enables more informed and strategic decision-making, especially when dealing with interconnected challenges like sustainability, digital transformation, or customer experience enhancement.

System thinking is a strategic and holistic approach to understanding complex systems effectively. It helps to know how different components within a system are interconnected, allowing the recognition of dependencies, trends, and patterns within the system. It helps to uncover the root causes of problems and develop sustainable solutions that address underlying issues. It allows for the engagement of stakeholders and improves communications among them, promoting a collaborative team environment that encourages creativity and harmonious teamwork.

O pensamento sistêmico permite uma visão holística, em contraponto a se focar apenas em partes isoladas. Isso ajuda a entender as interconexões e as dinâmicas globais que derivam da interação entre os diversos componentes do sistema. Dessa forma, o pensamento sistêmico permite reconhecer como os elementos / componentes se influenciam mutuamente, ajudando na identificação de soluções mais eficazes e duradouras. O pensamento sistêmico também facilita a identificação de padrões e tendências ao longo do tempo. Isso é muito útil para prever eventos futuros e tomar medidas preventivas.

Systems thinking helps you recognize the wholes that you form with others. It enables you to realize the outcomes you accomplish and the emotions you feel result from the purposes for which those in that system come together and your interactions with those in your system. It identifies the systems that you want to sustain for the outcomes they produce. Systems thinking sharpens your focus on places to intervene and leverage to accomplish the system's purposes. It opens up possibilities for reinventing your systems as you realize they are inventions of those who come together to serve their purposes. Systems thinking provides a means to sustain, heal, innovate, and improve the livability of your systems.

I always use the phrase "the art of seeing the forest through the trees" to express the importance of considering the big picture. Reading John Sterman's book on system dynamics, I came across the story of Romania and Ceaușescu's policies aimed at preventing abortion and increasing the rate of unwanted pregnancies. This story made me realize the consequences of not paying comprehensive attention to the system. It was a classic example of how neglecting to consider the long-term side effects of a decision can trigger a domino effect. Therefore, I strongly recommend that all leaders, especially HR leaders, pay close attention to systemic thinking approaches.

Systems thinking enables a holistic view of complex situations, highlighting interconnections and potential root causes of problems, beyond surface-level symptoms. It encourages a deeper analysis of how components interact within a system, preventing oversimplified conclusions or solutions that might lead to unintended consequences. This approach fosters critical thinking and creativity by challenging individuals to consider diverse perspectives and potential outcomes. Additionally, it enhances collaboration and communication, as understanding and explaining complex systems requires clear articulation and sharing of ideas. Adopting systems thinking can lead to more effective problem-solving and decision-making processes.

By creating a Systems Culture in your business, you are able to capture best practices and then iteratively improve them over the lifetime of your business. In essence, systems thinking facilitates continuous and never-ending improvement (CANI). At Systems and Outsourcing, 'We Believe in Systems' is one of our core values—we hire, fire, and reward people based on their ability to demonstrate this belief in practical ways. Systems thinking isn't something you should do in isolation. For it to be effective, it needs to be adopted by your entire organisation. This takes time and must start at the top.

Why use systems thinking to incorporate systems thinking and mapping into your daily work and decision-making? Think of it like upgrading your brain's problem-solving toolkit: - X-ray vision for problems: Systems thinking helps you see beyond symptoms to understand the underlying causes, preventing those temporary band-aid fixes. - Future sight: Identify potential consequences, both good and bad, of your decisions before you act. Avoid those "oops" moments! - The collaboration boost: Understanding systems makes it easier to explain complex ideas to your team, making sure everyone's on the same page. In short, systems thinking helps you work smarter. It turns everyday decisions into opportunities to create lasting, positive change.

Systems thinking enables a holistic view of complex problems, helping to identify root causes and potential unintended consequences, similar to how a doctor considers the entire human body and its interconnections when diagnosing and treating an illness.

People respond well to diagrams. Here's what to do: 1) Make the mapping clear. 2) Incorporate explanatory labels 3) Identify inputs, outputs, and controls.

Stock flow maps are really powerful as they distinguish between stocks and flies unlike Causal Loop diagrams. They make the next step to full system dynamics modelling easier. They also support rigoiur in thinking and facilitate group understanding of complex phenomena. CLDs are also useful but need much care as they can also end up unnecessarily in detailed complexity rather than focusing on dynamic complexity.

Escolher uma abordagem ou metodologia de mapeamento. Coletar dados e informações sobre o sistema. Desenhar o mapa do sistema, usando símbolos, palavras e setas. Validar e revisar o mapa com as partes interessadas. Usar o mapa para analisar, comunicar ou intervir no sistema. Existem diferentes tipos de mapas de sistemas, como mapas de atores, mapas de influência, mapas de fluxo, mapas de estoque e fluxo, mapas de causalidade, mapas de cenários, entre outros2. Cada um deles tem suas vantagens e desvantagens, dependendo do propósito e do contexto do mapeamento.

At Systems and Outsourcing, we recommend using a standard mapping notation (e.g., BPMN2.0) even if you're just getting started. This will future-proof your maps and avoid the need for keys and confusing explanations. Limit the maps to simple Tasks, Gateways, and Events to begin with, and then add layers of complexity as your skills develop.

Systems mapping visualizes complex systems, highlighting elements, connections, and flows. Choose the map type (e.g., causal loop, stock and flow) based on your goal. Identify system components and their interactions, using symbols and arrows. This clarifies assumptions, identifies patterns, reveals gaps, and facilitates communication. It's a tool for understanding system dynamics and identifying intervention points, making complex relationships easier to grasp.

How to use systems mapping - Define your focus: What problem or situation are you mapping? - Identify the elements: List all the factors involved – people, processes, ideas, etc. - Connect the dots: Draw arrows to show how elements influence each other. Look for feedback loops (where things spiral up or down). Choose your map type: - Causal Loop Diagrams: For cause-and-effect chains. Stock and Flow Diagrams: To track resources moving through the system. - Rich Pictures: For brainstorming with visuals. Remember: Systems maps are meant to evolve as you gain new insights!

At Systems and Outsourcing, we encourage our clients to use process mapping as early in their business life as possible. A simple process map can effortlessly explain any task involving decisions, timings, multiple users, and different paths. Using maps to document Automations is a game-changer as it makes it easy to trace triggers and actions, helps identify errors and allows multiple people to understand how apps are connected.

Different systems methodologies use different modelling approaches and focus on differnt aspects, so for example System Dynamics is focused on flows through a system, the Viable System Model is more about structures to handle complexity, Soft Systems Methodology focused more on aligning perceptions, Interactive Management focuses on the network of connections. You can pick an approach that best fits the situation you are looking at and why you are looking at it, and of course you can blend approaches. But mapping systems isn't just a put random stuff on a page and join things up with some arrows without being clear what the arrows are supposed to mean.

Use systems mapping for complex situations with multiple stakeholders and variables. It helps define system boundaries, identify elements and actors, understand dynamics, assess strengths and weaknesses, generate intervention ideas, and evaluate decision impacts and trade-offs.

Developing skills in systems thinking requires practice and lots of iterations. Do not be afraid to go down blind alleys and backtrack. Change perspectives, use multiple systems tools to gain a fuller appreciation. Join online workshops, videos etc. Connect with experienced practitioners who will be willing to help you. Become a part of a community of practice.

Um bom começo pode ser a leitura de "Teoria Geral dos Sistemas" de Ludwig von Bertalanfy. Uma segunda dica é aplicar o pensamento sistêmico no dia a dia, criando o hábito de pensar de maneira sistêmica em situações cotidianas. Procure se perguntar como eventos ou decisões de rotina podem afetar diferentes aspectos de sua vida. Cultivar a curiosidade genuína também ajuda. Cultive uma mentalidade curiosa e aberta. Esteja aberto a explorar diferentes perspectivas e a ajustar suas abordagens e pontos de vista à medida que adquire mais compreensão sobre situações complexos.

A cool tip I've learned is to keep learning and practicing to get better at understanding big systems and how they work together. Reading books like "Thinking in Systems" can open your eyes to new ideas. Also, joining groups online where people talk about systems thinking is a great way to learn from others. Try using what you learn on things you care about, like helping the environment or making your community better. Don't forget to ask for advice from people who know a lot about these topics. They can show you things you might not have thought of. Plus, thinking about how your own views might color what you see can really help you get the full picture.

My life is one big system. I have a system for: -staying healthy -keeping up my spiritual practice -growing my business -being mindful -maintaining my relationship with my family -weekly grocery shopping & meal planning -etc & etc It sounds intense, but it really quite simple. I merge systems with habits: things I just do non-negotiably every day in a way that can compound. It is such a fun, simple way to live that keeps me growing in the areas that matter most to me.

Furthermore, integrating systems thinking into daily work involves fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. I encourage cross-functional teams to engage in systems mapping exercises, workshops, and discussions to collectively understand the bigger picture and align on common goals. This collaborative approach not only enhances problem-solving but also promotes innovative thinking and adaptability in a rapidly evolving industry. Overall, by incorporating systems thinking and systems mapping into daily work and decision-making processes, I can navigate the complexities of technology innovation in hospitality and tourism more effectively, drive meaningful change, and deliver value to stakeholders.

Human dynamics are the most complex systems in the world, and I find them to be the most intriguing topic in my field. In my master's degree seminar, I created an article titled "Dynamics of a Couple's Emotional Relationship Using the Stock and Flow Model," which was highly praised by my professor and proved to be a fascinating study. I urge all human resource professionals to adopt system thinking tools and systems dynamics for modeling human resource processes. This approach will undoubtedly be stimulating and enlightening, and I am confident that it will lead to significant advancements in the field of human resources.

Enterprise Architects should also consider the cultural and organizational factors that influence systems thinking and mapping adoption, as well as the potential ethical implications of their system designs, just as an urban planner must consider the social and environmental impacts of their city plans.

Systems Thinking is as an emergent property, meaning it arises as a complex outcome of simpler rules and practices. Research shows that it develops through the practice and application of four simple cognitive skills identified as DSRP: making Distinctions, organizing Systems, recognising Relationships, and taking Perspectives. These skills are universal to all systems thinking frameworks and can be learned and honed over time. The process involves committing these patterns of thought to memory and then actively applying them in various contexts to analyse and understand systems more effectively. Therefore, becoming a better systems thinker is about focusing on and executing these simple rules.