Systems Thinking
See the whole. Understand how parts connect.
What It Is
The ability to see relationships, feedback loops, and unintended consequences before they happen. Not just "what" but "what then."
Why It Matters
Most problems aren't problems — they're symptoms. Systems thinking finds the leverage point where small changes create large effects.
| Without Systems Thinking | With Systems Thinking |
|---|---|
| Fix symptoms repeatedly | Find root causes once |
| Surprised by side effects | Anticipate consequences |
| Local optimisation | Global optimisation |
| Linear cause-effect | Feedback loops |
Core Patterns
- Feedback loops — Does the output amplify or dampen the input?
- Delays — Effects don't appear immediately. Patience required.
- Stocks and flows — What accumulates? What drains?
- Boundaries — Where does the system end? What's outside?
- Emergence — The whole behaves differently than the sum of parts.
How to Develop
- Draw before you solve — map the system visually
- Ask "and then what?" three times
- Look for the delay — where will effects appear later?
- Find the balancing loop — what keeps the system stable?
- Study failures — they reveal hidden connections
The Shadow
Over-engineering. Seeing systems that aren't there. Paralysis from complexity.
Archetype Connection
Primary: Engineer — builds systems that work Secondary: Philosopher — questions if the system serves purpose
Context
- Systems Thinking Framework — The full toolkit
- Matrix Thinking — Making gaps visible
- Inversion Thinking — What would make this fail?
- Pattern Recognition — Seeing what repeats
- Work Charts — Systems for coordination