The document introduces systems thinking and a systems thinking tool called the "system matrix". It discusses logical, causal, reductionist and holistic thinking styles. It then details the system matrix which organizes a system's fundamental values, measures, control, interface, future purposes, inputs, outputs, process steps, environment, and enablers. The group will do an exercise applying the system matrix to issues with Learning Innovation Island.

2. A Different Take on Systems Thinking George Hathaway 3G Organization & Leadership Effectiveness, Boss Center for Breakthrough Thinking, VP ENFP

3. Systems Thinking Use breakouts to describe systems thinking 8 minutes One representative reports to group

4. Purposes Review approaches to systems thinking Introduce a systems thinking tool Detail some Learning Innovation Island issues

5. Systems Thinking Understanding how the parts of a particular system interrelate Understanding how the system works over time Focuses on interconnections among parts rather than just the parts People and things are considered Determine multiple potential outcomes by probabilities

6. Hopper Model of a System INPUTS PROCESS STEPS HUMAN ENABLERS PHYSICAL ENABLERS INFORMATION ENABLERS ENVIRONMENT OUTPUTS PURPOSE(S)

7. Thinking Styles Logical, causal Reductionist Holistic

8. Logical, Causal Linear Rational Objective Observe characteristics of specific situations & derive general principles One of the 7 elephant gurus

9. Reductionist Scientific Method Looks at system Restricts system components to make it possible to observe repeatable experiments. Breaks situations into smaller parts where simple cause & effects are likely Backward looking Problem Solving Managerial Thinking

10. Holistic Thinking Wholes rather than parts Sees the system as a whole Information overload Brain becomes selective Perspectives Multiple partial views help to simplify Visionary Thinking

11. A System Matrix Fundamental Values Measures Control Interface Future Purposes Inputs Outputs Process Steps Environment Human Enablers Physical Enablers Information Enablers

12. Benefits of the Matrix Unites holistic with some reductionist thinking Simplifies information collection Helps you know what you don’t know Works both sides of your brain Think like a leader

13. Matrix Exercise Issue. Learning Innovation Island needs to be operational Exercise: Complete Elements Fundamentals and Output Dimensions 10 minutes Representative report out to group

14. Questions?

15. References Open University, Systems Thinking and Practice, http://openlearn.open.ac.uk/mod/resource/view.php?id=183660 World Future Society, Exploring Tomorrow: Keys to Success in a Rapidly Changing World, 2005, Bethesday, MD Nadler, Gerald & Hibino, Shozo, Breakthrough Thinking: Why We Must Change the Way We Solve Problems, and the Seven Principles to Achieve This, Rocklin, CA, 1990, Prima Publishing

16. Speaker Contact Information E-mail [email_address] [email_address] Second Life - Gh zhaoying Twitter - Ghathaway3 Skype - George.hathaway3 Yahoo IM - Ghathaway3 AIM - Ghathaway3 LinkedIn

17. TBD Consulting Contact Office: 602-263-1961 Event Host: Mike Abrams [email_address] http://twitter.com/mikeabrams