Tools for Systems Thinkers: The 6 Fundamental Concepts of Systems Thinking
systems thinking has arisen in response to our dawning realization of interconnectedness, our discovery that working with things in isolation is increasingly ineffective and even counterproductive.
Medium • The Ecosystem Hypothesis
Systems thinking, in a sense, presents the fundamental principle of life — that everything in this world is interconnected; the actors affect each other directly or indirectly. As they say, a “butterfly flapping its wings in Brazil could set off a tornado in Texas.”
Zoe McKey • Think In Systems: The Theory and Practice of Strategic Planning, Problem Solving, and Creating Lasting Results - Complexity Made Simple
Peter Senge has written, “Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of dynamic relationships rather than static ‘snapshots’ … Systems thinking is a sensibility—for the subtle interconnectedness that gives living systems their unique character.”
Sharon Daloz Parks • Leadership Can Be Taught: A Bold Approach for a Complex World
A systems approach helps shift us from formulaic, mechanical responses to issues to fluid responses that see the interconnected and constantly changing elements that keep emerging.
Sharon Salzberg • Real Change: Mindfulness to Heal Ourselves and the World
The practice of systems thinking starts with understanding a simple concept called “feedback” that shows how actions can reinforce or counteract (balance) each other. It builds to learning to recognize types of “structures” that recur again and again:
Peter M. Senge • The Fifth Discipline
By its nature, systems thinking points out interdependencies and the need for collaboration.