Explains in short what is Systems Thinking, and its basic concepts. This PPT shows what is a System, its characteristics and what Systems thinking can do for us.

1. What is Systems Thinking
1)It is a new Paradigm to look at
the world differently
2)It is a set of tools which help us
to infer reality in a new way
3)It is a new language that helps us
to communicate and understand
each other better.

2. What is a system?
A system is any group of:
Interacting
Interrelated and
Interdependent parts
that form a complex and unified whole,
which has a purpose.

4. Four characteristics of a
system
1) Systems have a purpose.
2) All parts must be present for a system to
carry out its purpose optimally.
3) The order in which the parts are
arranged affects the performance of the
system.
4) Systems attempt to maintain stability
through feedback

5. Systems attempt to
maintain stability
through feedback

8. Feedback
• The most important feature of feedback is that it
provides the catalyst for a change in behavior.

9. System
A system is an entity which maintains its existence through the mutual interaction of its parts.
The key emphasis here is one of "mutual interaction," in that something is occurring between
the parts, over time, which maintains the system.
A system is different than a heap or a collection, mostly.
1) Emergence
Emergence is the order that emerges (happens) through the interaction of its parts.
From the mutual interaction of the parts of a system there arise characteristics which can not
be found as characteristic of any of the individual parts.
One has to study the system called water to get a true understanding of wetness. Studying the
parts (H and O) will not provide an appropriate understanding of emergence called
wetness.
Credit : http://www.systems-thinking.org/
System and its 5 Characteristics

10. System and its 5 Characteristics
2) Unpredictability
Because of emergence, there usually is a high degree of unpredictability in the
system. The more complex the system, greater the unpredictability.
It is possible to facilitate or assist a system to move in the desired direction by first
understanding the emerging unpredictability and then applying minimum efforts at
the leverage points.
Excessive control and micro management could be detrimental. Therefore, leaders
need to be ‘cultivators’, ‘facilitators’ and ‘sensors’ rather than ‘commanders’ and
‘controllers’.
3) Feedback and Delay
The emergent collective order in turn influences the behavior or interaction of
its parts. Therefore feedback loops exist at every level and are very important
elements of the system.
‘Delay’ in a system is defined as the time lapse between a cause and manifestation
of its effect. The more the delay, the more complex a system becomes.
Credit : http://www.systems-thinking.org/

11. System and its 5 Characteristics
4) Self Organizing Principle
Complex Systems are not controlled by anyone. Yet there is a high
degree of discipline and order. This comes from a deep simplicity
embedded in the governing rules of interaction among the agents.
Order of the whole system flows from distributed control i.e., from
interaction among parts and not from top down as in a hierarchy.
5) High Adaptability and Creativity
Since complex systems thrive on interaction of its parts, by enhancing
the quality of these interactions, adaptability and creativity of the
system also gets enhanced.
In an organization for an example, the quality of interaction can be
enhanced thru deepening of relationships and thru diversity of
experiences and perspectives.
Credit : http://www.systems-thinking.org/

12. 1) Systems thinking is not the only way to think.
2) Some ways of thinking about things are more powerful than others in
creating the results we want.
3) Systems thinking may not offer you solutions, but would help in
understanding the problem.
4) Structures dictate behavior.
5) We're an important part of the structure. In some cases, Pogo's words are
the best reminder: "We have met the enemy and he is us."
6) If it looks like a duck, it quacks like a duck, then it is a Duck!
7) It is not essential for everyone to understand and like Systems thinking.
Principles of Systems Thinking

13. … a deeper
understanding
of …..
Mental models
Complexity
Vision and Current
Reality
Paradigm and
Paradoxes
Inner and outer
purpose
Interdependencies
Self
Causality
Response and
Change
Systems Thinking
Leads us to…

14. ... expanding
our ability to
relate to….
Sustainability
Natural
Environment
Business
Environment
Social
Environment
Financial
Environment
Ecology
Human and
Ecosystem
Relationships
Studying Systems Thinking helps
in…

15. Reality
Observer Observer

16. Conversations

19. Guiding Tenets/Daily Fare
Innovate!
Re-imagine!
Adapt!
Prepare!