Masters use systems thinking!
On the road of life, we will encounter various problems, and these problems can be classified into three categories: linear, non-linear, and systemic. For linear problems, we can use logical thinking to find solutions.
For non-linear questions, structured thinking can help us find the answer. No matter what problem we encounter, we can solve it with these thinking tools.
Reality is often complex and changeable, and the causal relationship is intricate, and it is difficult to grasp the core of the problem by relying solely on logical reasoning and structured thinking. At this time, we need to look at and solve problems from a higher, more macro and more systematic perspective, which is systematic thinking.
Common problems such as poverty, economy, education, environment, and corporate governance all need to be considered at the systemic level, rather than being confined to a single point. People who lack systematic thinking are prone to make the mistake of only looking at the details and not looking at the overall situation, and they are also prone to only focus on the present and ignore the long-term, or only see the surface and ignore the essence, and even self-centeredness.
So, what is the essence of systems thinking? What does it do? And how do you learn it? I'm going to break them down for you one by one. 01 The essence of systematic thinkingWhat I want to explain most clearly is the essence and principle of thinking, where the essence corresponds to what, and the principle corresponds to why.
Systems thinking refers to the fact that the root cause of a problem is often not the problem itself, but the system behind it. The problem is just a manifestation of the system, what we need to do is to optimize the system and solve the problem at the root.
When we deal with problems, it is easy to be confused by superficial phenomena and focus only on the external manifestations of the problem, ignoring the root cause of the problem. In fact, each of us is part of the system, and the problems we encounter are also systemic problems.
No matter how powerful the power of the individual is, it cannot compete with the power of the system. Philosophy tells us that the finitude and blindness of human beings are inevitable, because we can only see the parts and cannot see the whole.
As the world becomes more decentralized and complex, so does the system we live in. Only when we learn to look at problems from a systems perspective can we truly understand the complexity and changes of the world and find ways to solve them.
In addition, I recommend reading Liu Qing's Lectures on Western Modern Thought, which will help us understand that most of the problems encountered by modern people are systemic problems and cannot be solved by individuals.
There is a great thinker in history, his name is Marx, and he invented communism to provide us with a possible solution to systemic problems.
Now, let's step into the world of systems and understand their essence and function in order to better solve problems.
A company can be seen as a system composed of employees, managers and office tools, the communication between employees and the promotion of projects constitute the connection of the system, the company's goal is to make a profit, and the relationship between various departments is the organizational structure of the company.
If we want to maintain the stability of this system and achieve our goals, the most important thing is to keep the connections, structure and function intact. Even if all elements (e.g. employees and managers) are replaced, the system can remain stable as long as the connections, structure, and functions remain the same.
It is a way of thinking that looks at problems from a first-principles perspective, emphasizing understanding and grasping the essence of the system, rather than just focusing on the surface elements of the system.
In this simplest system, the two elements (such as employees and managers) are interrelated, with inputs, outputs, and feedback, through which the goals of the system are achieved.
It turns out that the world we live in is constantly complex and diverse from the simplest systems. To truly understand systems thinking, it is essential to understand the characteristics of the system.
Money flows to those who are not short of money, love flows to those who do not lack love, and suffering flows to those who can endure hardship the most.
The hierarchical relationship within the system reflects its second major characteristic - hierarchical, hierarchical is a spatial relationship, which is manifested as the structure of the system. The third characteristic of the system is self-organization, when the elements, loops, structures and goals are set, the system will run on its own.
How to use systems thinking to solve problems? This requires us to apply a small change or action in the system to make a significant change in the system and achieve twice the result with half the effort.
This is known as a "leverage point".
To be successful, sometimes it's not a matter of purpose, but of structure. When encountering systemic problems, do not solve them from the element level, but think about the leverage point from the dimensions of structure, goal, loop, and connection.
How to develop systems thinking? First of all, a good system is well-designed, and it has the beauty of the system. The system of beauty is in a benign dynamic, the input and output are balanced, the whole is greater than the part, the flow of information and matter is very fast, and the structure expressed is beautiful.
Recommend a few books: "The Beauty of Systems", "Introduction to Systems Thinking", and "How to Think Systematically". Secondly, there are several ways to cultivate systematic thinking: 1Climb high and look far: Observe and think about problems from a higher dimension, for example, you can think about the problems you are currently encountering in your work from the perspective of your direct supervisor, which can help you find a way out.
2.Jumping out of the circle: Withdrawing from the stalemate state, observing and examining from the perspective of a third party, it is easier to understand the essence of things. 3.According to the map: Through the organizational chart of the whole company, understand the position and functions of the department, which is conducive to cultivating an individual's overall awareness.
It is necessary to develop the habit of looking at the whole first and then the parts, the overall situation and then the parts, and the macro and then the micro. You will find that everything from a large country to a small human body has a similar structure.
4.Extend time and space: Put the problem on a longer timeline and consider it in a larger space, understanding what it was like in the past and what it will be like in the future? From**to**go?
What is changing and what is constant? What is the sign of change? What is the unchanging Word?