Category: Articles
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Modeling “Soft” Variables
When encountering system dynamics modeling for the first time, sharp-minded managers often ask, “How can you have any confidence in your model if you…
Minnesota Takes the Long View of Its Solid Waste System
In January 2000, Minnesota’s Office of Environmental Assistance (MN OEA) began to investigate creative solutions to the state’s growing problems with solid waste disposal.
Systems Archetypes As Structural Pattern Templates
Imagine you were suddenly struck with a strange illness that affected your vision. While you were still able to “see” everything around you, somehow…
The Common Flaw of All Problem-Solving Models
We suspect that every reader of this newsletter has been steeped in articles and classes on a myriad of problem-solving techniques. We have all…
Selecting Variable Names for Causal Loop Diagrams
When first beginning to draw a causal loop diagram, don’t spend a lot of time up front trying to select the “perfect” variable name.
The “Thinking” in Systems Thinking: Honing Your Skills
Why is it so challenging to develop systems thinking ability? It’s because thinking systemically involves a rather large number of different skills—seven, at least—that…
A Lifetime of Systems Thinking
When one reaches 80, one is considered to be ripe and ready for picking. Picking usually consists of the pickers asking the pickee to…
Building Trust and Cohesiveness in a Leadership Team
Over several years, I had developed a strong relationship with the leadership team of a $3 billion division of a Fortune 100 organization. A…
Learning-Directed Leadership in a Changing World
The information-intensive, complex, and dynamic world presents unique challenges for leaders. Never before has information been so available but knowledge been so difficult to…