System thinking is one of the newmodern terms that many managers, psychologists, personal growth coaches and other coaches use. Its level illustrates the speed and quality of decision making, so this indicator is studied during employment as an important characteristic of the future employee.
Traditional logical approach to perceptionreality and the study of any phenomenon is based on the fact that the observed system is divided into components. They are examined and then collected in one piece. In carrying out these actions, a person deliberately simplifies the system, missing a large number of combinations of factors affecting each other.
The structure of the whole world can be described as a system. It is integral, there are no separate fragments in it, which are not connected with the rest of the components.
The concept of "system" can be equated to education,existing and functioning due to the multivariate interaction of a large number of its parts. The peculiarity of the system is that it is influenced not by the composition of parts, but by the ways and methods of their interaction with each other. The nature of this mutual influence is nonlinear, mostly hidden and unobvious, and sometimes even paradoxical. System thinking is aimed at finding or developing such a model of the universe, within which it will be possible to place the landmarks in the world with high accuracy.
To begin development of system thinking it is desirablefrom childhood. Thus, it will become the main way of perceiving reality. People who have systemic thinking acquire the following abilities:
Testing, interviewing and assessment of the mainqualities of candidates for various positions are conducted with the purpose of drawing up a correct impression of the professional abilities of the applicant, as well as his personality as a whole. A scientific approach to the creation of a team helps to achieve a more coherent work of the enterprise, a full-fledged return from employees and their receipt of satisfaction from labor. In addition, this minimizes the occurrence of conflicts and misunderstandings.
System thinking is an important ability of a good worker, therefore, assessing its level, HR managers study such qualities of applicants:
Depending on how developed the system approach, the system's thinking in the tested, it can be assigned one of several levels.
1. Zero, it is called the level of incompetence:
2. The first (initial):
3. The second (based on the first level):
4. The third (based on the second level):
First of all, it is necessary to find out for yourself the essence andthe scope of this skill. After all, system thinking is a quality that is useful not only in the workplace, but also in all life circumstances. Even if it is a trivial matter, like the conflict over a family dinner, it is necessary to look at the situation from the outside, to analyze its prerequisites and to assess the possible consequences.
Literature, audio files and videos becomesources of unique information that helps to study system thinking. Books (electronic, from paper or in audio recordings) allow you to fully immerse yourself in the world of the author's experiences. It is important to go along with it all the steps on the way to mastering a full-fledged systemic thinking.
Among worthy authors in this field is JosephO "Connor (" The Art of System Thinking "), his book became a revelation for many people.Writing about elementary and seemingly familiar, completely familiar things, this writer was able to indicate the main barriers that prevent thinking systemically, as well as ways to eliminate them. In addition to the fact that "The Art of System Thinking" About Connor is written on the basis of serious developments, his language is extremely accessible and understandable. Using the recommendations outlined in this book, you can independently form and develop the necessary skills.
System thinking Connor teaches on numerous examples in which each reader can view himself, his acquaintances and various life situations.
From Russian-speaking writers the issue of developmentsystemic thinking is occupied by Academician V. Tolkachev. True, his book "The Luxury of System Thinking" is much more complicated than that written by Connor. It is intended for students or interns of psychological faculties and develops ideas touched by Z. Freud. Continuing the theory of Freud, as well as the results of his followers, Tolkachev introduced the division of personalities into eight psychotypes. He calls systemic thinking system-vector.
Even if there is no time for reading and listeningbooks, you can apply the simplest methods for the gradual development of systemic thinking. First and foremost, it is necessary to study the definition of your mental models. This is what everyone calls what everyone believes, and what he firmly believes. These models serve as the basis for decision-making and unique "glasses", because of which people look at the world. Often they allow him to see only what he wants. The main mental models include:
Knowing which mental models affect your own behavior allows you to extend them to take into account the characteristics of the system and more factors.
Proceeding from the fact that system thinking isthe ability to delve into the functioning of the system, it is pointless to try to study the individual parts for the development of the skill. The main property of systems is the appearance of properties characteristic of systems, but they are absent in its components. The study of the system is available in the process of monitoring it. To develop system thinking, it is worthwhile to observe effective and successful objects. We need to study the principles of their work, the nature of the links between the parts, the consequences of various actions taken. This method leads to an understanding of the work of successful systems and the application of this knowledge in life.
Revision and correction of the established attitude toreality are extremely important for the freedom of action of a person. Stereotypes are developed based on past experience, and are quite suitable for developing a simple, typical solution, but they are completely irrelevant if a completely new problem has arisen. Solutions by systemic thinking are based on the development of fresh concepts, so it is so useful to train your ingenuity and non-standard approach to the situation.
With the expansion of interests, views and horizonsman his thinking takes on variability. A wide range of interests automatically leads to unconscious expansion of mental maps. This, in turn, helps to develop systemic thinking.
If you intentionally create different situationsuncertainty and find new ways to solve them, you can get very good results in training system thinking. In real life, there are no situations that can definitely be called definite. A lot of factors can influence at the most unexpected moment.
In fact, this is the most effective andan effective way, training creative abilities and developing system thinking. It is used at the stage of hiring at Microsoft. Candidates for the position are required to solve several tasks of creative content.
Given all of the above circumstances, you canto assert that the art of systemic thinking is an achievable goal. As with any training, it will take time, willpower, perseverance and perseverance. However, the result is worth it, since it leads to a deeper perception of the processes taking place in nature, society and in the human body itself.
