The Systems Thinker - Mental Models

Creative thinking comes in handy when trying to solve problems when you’re panicked.

Group common components together, and then state what each group has that makes them similar. From the above list, problems and needs might go together in the same group and desired outcomes, ideas, and opportunities could possibly go together in the same group.

Instead of making statements, ask questions such as: - “Why is this problem a problem?” - “Are there any aspects of this problem we don’t understand?” - “What are the most significant patterns in the problem?” - “What outcome does the problem generate? What outcome would we like instead?” - “How does the problem look on the following four levels: e

Complex Mental Models

b.) The Iceberg Model

Systematic thinking is thinking in a methodical way whereas systems thinking is thinking about how things interact with one another. Systemic thinking is a simple technique used to identify a system-wide focus.

solutions. Analytical thinking is convergent, meaning it pares down to a small number of distinct ideas, answers, or solutions for further analysis and utility. In comparison, creative thinking is divergent, meaning it begins with a description and then splits in many different directions to find many possible solutions. Convergent features include

In sum, mental models contain old empirical knowledge and have the potential to support new knowledge that is built upon the old.

List as many system components as possible. This might include: problems, solutions, opportunities, needs, desired outcomes, and ideas.