Lesson 2: Systems Thinking — See the Whole Board
Systems Thinking — See the Whole Board
Most people look at problems like they look at photos, one image, one moment, one cause, one fix. Systems thinkers look at problems like they look at movies, everything connects, everything moves, every action has a ripple.
What Is a System?
A system is any set of connected parts working together toward a purpose. Your school is a system. Your body is a system. Social media is a system. Systems have inputs, processes, and outputs. When outputs are bad, systems thinkers ask: which part of the process is the problem?
Unintended Consequences
Every system change has unintended consequences. When cars were invented, nobody predicted traffic jams. When social media was invented, nobody predicted its effect on teen mental health. This is not a reason not to build things. It is a reason to think carefully before you do.
Before implementing any tech solution, ask: what could go wrong? Who could this hurt? What behavior might this accidentally encourage?
The Feedback Loop
Great systems have feedback loops. They notice when something is wrong and correct course. Great tech leaders build feedback into everything they create. How will you know if this is working? What data will tell you it is not?
Try This Today
- Pick any system around you and map out its inputs, processes, and outputs
- Identify one unintended consequence of a technology you use daily
- Ask and then what? five times about any decision you are making