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Thinking in Systems: Strategies for Problem Solving, Planning and Critical Thinking
Thinking in systems works in contrast to the traditional method of analysis, where one takes a system and breaks it down into different segments for ease of understanding. In the traditional method, one can contemplate doing away with one segment if it proves too costly, but in systems thinking one considers how to make each of the constituent systems cost-effective, as it is a crucial part of the bigger system. This book dives deep into the subject matter and provides real life examples for the keen reader. Table of Chapter 1: What Thinking in Systems Entails Chapter 2: The Language of Systems Thinking Chapter 3: Critical Thinking Within the Realm of Systems Thinking Chapter 4: How to Influence Matters Through Critical Thinking Chapter 5: Major Strategies to Enhance Critical Thinking Chapter 6: Critical Skills in Systems Thinking Chapter 7: Role of Emotional Intelligence in Critical Thinking Chapter 8: Organizational Structures and Systems Thinking Chapter 9: Introducing Systems Thinking in An Entity, the Simple Way Chapter 10: Systems-Thinking Models Chapter 11: The Balancing and Reinforcing Feedback Loops Chapter 12: The Process of Switching to Systems Thinking Chapter 13: Challenges Encountered in Systems Thinking Chapter 14: How Systems Thinking Can Solve Social Problems Chapter 15: Appreciating People’s Contexts for Profitability Chapter 16: How to View Your Company as a System Chapter 17: How to Change Systems by Changing Mindsets Chapter 18: The Need to Consistently Think in Systems Chapter 19: Manufacturing Company Leads via Systems Thinking Chapter 20: Familiar Business Scenarios Requiring Systems Thinking Chapter 21: Systems-Thinking Principles Fit for The Health-Care System Chapter 22: Systems Orientation – The 5 Cs of Systems Thinking Chapter 23: The Role of Systems Thinking in Education
310 pages, Paperback
Published September 23, 2018
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October 9, 2018
This book is a fascinating breakdown of a rather nontraditional method of analysis called systems thinking as it is applied to business practices, social matters, and personal lives. Before encountering Golding’s work, I never had a term for this sort of thinking, of seeing something as one large system composed of smaller, self-contained subsystems working together. I have, however, held this viewpoint—this idea that while everything is individual, everything is also connected and interdependent—for as long as I can remember, and I think that Golding does a great job in demonstrating how to apply this thinking to real-life situations.
This book covers everything from the concept of systems thinking and its benefits/drawbacks to real-life examples and ways you can apply it in your own workplace, social life, etc. I found the real-life examples to be most helpful, most especially the example regarding the World Trade Organization 1999 ministerial meeting, the diverse groups there to protest it, and how this demonstrates the ability for different organizations with different purposes/goals to share a single system. Any confusion I experienced was immediately cleared up thanks to such examples, and they helped me to realize that I actually already practice this sort of thinking.
While I found most of the information compelling, I can see others finding this work a dense read. When Golding explains concepts such as critical thinking, the writing drags a little because the ideas themselves are abstract and hard to explain. Such sections might take multiple readings to fully understand, let alone apply. This is not a one-and-done read, so you’ll want to take your time with it if you want to get the maximum benefit from it. I also feel that there should have been more of an introduction to the overall topic—systems thinking, why you should use it, and how to use it—before explaining what systems thinking is. I initially had a hard time understanding why any of this should matter, but after re-reading the first few pages, I grasped the importance better. Still, a steadier introduction, rather than one that dives right in, could have prevented this issue.
Overall, this book is great for those looking for a new way to approach problems and the world around them or those looking for a way to understand how they already see things. The writing isn’t for everyone and takes some time to read and properly digest, but the topic itself is intriguing and worth the read.
This book covers everything from the concept of systems thinking and its benefits/drawbacks to real-life examples and ways you can apply it in your own workplace, social life, etc. I found the real-life examples to be most helpful, most especially the example regarding the World Trade Organization 1999 ministerial meeting, the diverse groups there to protest it, and how this demonstrates the ability for different organizations with different purposes/goals to share a single system. Any confusion I experienced was immediately cleared up thanks to such examples, and they helped me to realize that I actually already practice this sort of thinking.
While I found most of the information compelling, I can see others finding this work a dense read. When Golding explains concepts such as critical thinking, the writing drags a little because the ideas themselves are abstract and hard to explain. Such sections might take multiple readings to fully understand, let alone apply. This is not a one-and-done read, so you’ll want to take your time with it if you want to get the maximum benefit from it. I also feel that there should have been more of an introduction to the overall topic—systems thinking, why you should use it, and how to use it—before explaining what systems thinking is. I initially had a hard time understanding why any of this should matter, but after re-reading the first few pages, I grasped the importance better. Still, a steadier introduction, rather than one that dives right in, could have prevented this issue.
Overall, this book is great for those looking for a new way to approach problems and the world around them or those looking for a way to understand how they already see things. The writing isn’t for everyone and takes some time to read and properly digest, but the topic itself is intriguing and worth the read.
Displaying 1 of 1 review