Proactive systems thinking is the best kind of systems thinking. If you can make a change in a process or situation or system so that you don’t have to ‘react’ later on, then you are using systems thinking to your best advantage. Sure, systems thinking can be used to ferret out problems and solve problems, but its that ‘problem’ word that we would like to get rid of because if you are not dealing with problems, then you are able to focus more of your energy on opportunities.
In the diagram above a simple visual aids in explaining the benefit of understanding your system and using that knowledge to apply change effort strategically. Here’s the basic idea: you want to move the line from 1 to 8 over time. The angle of change that you can employ is limited to one grid of ascension per grid of time. So for you math types, its a rise and run equation. For every cell moved along the ‘x’ axis you are able to move one grid upwards on the ‘y’ axis. This is really simple but powerful. Look.
In instance ‘A’ they waited until the fourth unit of time before implementing the change at the prescribed angle.
In instance ‘B’ the change was made in the second unit of time to impliment the change at the prescribed angle.
Look at the difference! In ‘B’, using the EXACT same angle of change as in ‘A’ you finish at 6 rather than 4! Simple? Yes. So simple that people forget about the power of proactive change? In way too many instances people do not examine their systems and find areas of influence. Far too often, people wait until a problem occurs, thus using vital energy that COULD be used for increasing positive possibility. All the best.
Douglas Leadbetter M.Ed.
