The writer is very fast, professional and responded to the review request fast also. Thank you.
Book/movie review
22/08/2022
HOME (/) > RESOURCE LIBRARY (/RESOURCES) > BLOG (/RESOURCES/BLOG)
Systems Thinking: A Method for
Communication
Systems Thinking: A Method for Communication
SHARE:
JOSEPH ALONZO
24 JULY 2012
Communication in the Workplace
We are a complex society with many interconnecting parts that contribute to global movements. And yet, far too often
when something goes right or wrong our instinct is to assign blame or praise to a single source. This type of fragmented
thinking, I would suggest, is both shortsighted and irrelevant to our present workplace paradigm.
Anderson and Johnson stated that systems thinking is a language that provides a method for communication about
dynamic complexities and interdependencies. Our workplaces provide an ideal context for this definition. Workplaces
are comprised of various systems of people, departments, and technologies all swirling around in the larger system with
partnering and competing workplaces. With such complexity present, a systems thinking lens will allow us to see how
the parts are functioning alone, and perhaps more importantly, better communicate about how they are working
together.
Systems thinking is characterized by the following principles:
Thinking of the ‘big picture” – Whatever problem is being faced is attached to a larger system. To discover the
source of the problem we have to widen our focus, and it is from that perspective we will likely find a systemic
solution.
Balancing short-term and long-term perspectives – The balance of short and long-term thinking will supply a
sound foundation for thorough examination before any actions are taken.
Taking into account measurable and non-measurable factors – There are plenty of tangible data metrics in the
workplace, but what do we do with all the intangible information, such as morale, levels of trust, and working
relationships? We account for it and allow it to influence our understanding alongside the tangibles.
Recognizing the dynamic, complex, and interdependent nature of systems – A glimpse at any organizational
structure will reveal systems within many other systems. In order to make sense of such complexity we tend to
oversimplify and make decisions based on those oversimplifications. Systems thinking reminds us that once we
do so, it is important to zoom back out and take into account the whole picture before making decisions.
The appeal of systems thinking is at least twofold: first, it provides a more holistic perspective for observation and
analysis, and two; it gives greater insight into our interconnectedness and positions us to improve on how we relate to
each other and other systems. Additionally, it can help shift our thinking from an exclusive point of view (i.e. “you are
responsible for this”) to a more inclusive frame of reference (i.e. “we are responsible for this”).
Taking the first step towards systems thinking is simpler than you might imagine- invite others to participate. Your
workplace is a dynamic, complex system comprised of various systems of people, departments and technologies, and
these are your best resources for contemplating the bigger picture. By inviting employees and different departments to
communicate and share information with each other, you can begin brainstorming and making strategic decisions on
how to successfully grow your business, as a whole.
Read more (/600-small-business-success-stories) about three small businesses that used this method of
communication to turn a moment of financial uncertainty into a success story.
Joseph Alonzo recently graduated Saybrook University with a Master’s degree in Organizational Development and is a
guest blogger for Great Place to Work®.
Joseph Alonzo
(/)
The writer is very fast, professional and responded to the review request fast also. Thank you.
Delivering a high-quality product at a reasonable price is not enough anymore.
That’s why we have developed 5 beneficial guarantees that will make your experience with our service enjoyable, easy, and safe.
You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.
Read moreEach paper is composed from scratch, according to your instructions. It is then checked by our plagiarism-detection software. There is no gap where plagiarism could squeeze in.
Read moreThanks to our free revisions, there is no way for you to be unsatisfied. We will work on your paper until you are completely happy with the result.
Read moreYour email is safe, as we store it according to international data protection rules. Your bank details are secure, as we use only reliable payment systems.
Read moreBy sending us your money, you buy the service we provide. Check out our terms and conditions if you prefer business talks to be laid out in official language.
Read more