Have you ever tried to fix a small problem only to find out that you accidentally created a much bigger one? This happens because we often look at parts of a problem separately. Systems thinking is a mindset that helps you see the “bigger picture” and understand how everything is connected.

If you want to make better decisions and find long-term solutions, follow these steps to start thinking like a systems expert.

Step 1: Identify the Building Blocks (Elements)

Every system is made of elements, which are the things you can see, feel, or measure. In a business, elements could be employees, products, or customers. Some elements are called stocks, which are things you can count at a specific moment, like the amount of money in your bank account or the number of books in a shop.

Step 2: Find the Connections (Interconnections)

Elements do not sit alone; they are linked by interconnections. These are the relationships that hold the system together, such as the flow of information or the physical movement of products. For example, a change in your marketing might increase the flow of customers, which then changes how much stock you need from your suppliers.

Step 3: Understand the “Why” (Purpose)

The most important part of any system is its purpose or function. This is the reason the system exists, and it is the driving force that guides how all the elements behave. While elements and connections are easy to see, the purpose is often hidden, but it is the key to understanding why a system acts the way it does.

Step 4: Look for Feedback Loops

Systems often have feedback loops that show how different parts influence each other over time.

• Reinforcing Loops (R): These are “growth engines” that cause a domino effect, making the system grow faster and faster, like a social media post going viral.
• Balancing Loops (B): These loops help keep the system stable and bring it back to reality, like a thermostat keeping a room at the right temperature.

Step 5: Watch Out for System Traps

Sometimes, a solution that seems reasonable can turn into a system trap. A famous example is the “Cobra Effect,” where the government offered money for dead snakes to reduce their number, but people started breeding snakes just to get the reward. Without looking at the whole system, your “good intentions” might lead to unintended consequences, like the story of Borneo where trying to kill mosquitoes eventually led to roofs collapsing and a plague of rats.

Step 6: Find the Leverage Points

Instead of working harder, look for leverage points. These are specific places in a system where a small shift can produce big, lasting changes in many other areas. High-leverage changes might include adjusting the system’s goals or changing the rules that govern it.

Conclusion

Systems thinking is not just a one-time task; it is a lifelong practice. By moving away from quick fixes and focusing on root causes, you can create solutions that are sustainable and resilient for your organization and the world.