There are many possible starting points for drawing a systems diagram. One way to begin is by telling the story behind the problem, and…

The old adage “if the only tool you have is a hammer, everything begins to look like a nail” can also apply to language.

We can gain leverage for improving conversations by paying attention to advocacy and inquiry. Advocacy is stating one’s views. Describing what I think, disclosing…

The “learning organization” is fast becoming a corporate buzzword. Many companies are jumping on the bandwagon without really understanding what a learning organization is, or…

Jorge Valchez is an organizational development consultant at International Chocolate, Inc., a (fictional) confectionery company. A few years ago, he picked up a copy…

According to recent findings in neuroscience, not only do sensory experiences and actions change the brain’s physical structure, but so does thinking. Concentrating on…

We hear a lot about complexity in the business world today — specifically, that increasing complexity is making it tougher than ever for companies…

People in Guatemala—smart people—were working harder, hiring brighter people, raising more money, doing better projects, and getting improved results. And yet, what they sought…

I frequently talk to groups of managers on the nature of systems thinking and its radical implications to management. In doing so, I use…

System thinking tools, such as causal loop diagrams, foster high-quality thinking, communication, and decision-making in teams. But plunging into the realm of complex, dynamic…