Applying Systems Thinking and
Common Archetypes to Organizational Issues

Module 1: Why the Systems View?

Where Systems Thinking Adds Value

Systems Thinking usually adds value when situations are:

  • Problematic
  • Long-standing
  • Resistant to change interventions

Systems Thinking is often helpful as a planning resource. In particular, a systems view can help you plan for growth, anticipate limits to growth, predict and avoid actions that can undermine partnerships, and avoid shooting yourself in the foot (by producing a worse situation than you already have).

In general, Systems Thinking rarely helps us find the single right answer; other problem-solving tools are more efficient in cases where there truly is an answer. Systems Thinking provides the most value when it illuminates the possible choices embedded in complex, divergent problems, and their likely consequences. The final choice is ours.


DO use Systems Thinking to:

  • Identify or clarify a problem.
  • Increase creative discussion.
  • Promote inquiry and challenge pre-conceived ideas.
  • Bring out the validity of multiple perspectives.
  • Make assumptions explicit.
  • Sift out major issues and factors.
  • Find the systemic causes of stubborn problems.
  • Test the viability of previously proposed solutions.
  • Explore short and long term impacts of alternative or newly proposed solutions or actions.

DON'T use Systems Thinking to:

  • Impress people or win an argument.
  • Validate prior views.
  • Hide uncertainties.
  • Blame individuals.