Thinking on systems

Question 1

What are the 3 main ideas for system thinking

Answer 1

reinforcing feedback
balancing feedback and delays
enhancing feedback loops

Question 2

What is reinforcing feedback in systems thinking

Answer 2

Reinforcing feedback is a positive feedback loop where a change in a system leads to further changes in the same direction, amplifying growth or decline.

Question 3

Can you provide an example of reinforcing feedback in a business context?

Answer 3

Increased customer satisfaction leads to more sales, which in turn leads to even higher customer satisfaction.

Question 4

What is balancing feedback in systems thinking?

Answer 4

Balancing feedback is a negative feedback loop that works to stabilize a system by counteracting changes, helping to maintain equilibrium.

Question 5

How can delays in feedback cause instability in a system?

Answer 5

Delays in feedback can cause instability because the system may overcorrect or undercorrect before the effects of the feedback are felt.

Question 6

What does it mean to enhance feedback loops in systems thinking?

Answer 6

Enhancing feedback loops involves improving the effectiveness of feedback loops to better manage and control a system, making it more responsive and adaptive to changes.

Question 7

How can enhancing feedback loops benefit an organization?

Answer 7

By enhancing feedback loops, an organization can make more informed decisions, anticipate potential issues, and optimize resource usage, leading to better overall performance.

Question 8

What characteristics does a system tinker have

Answer 8

• Sees the entire picture.
• Changes viewpoints to see new use focuses on complex systems.
• Searches for interdependencies.
• Thinks about how mental models create our fates.
• Focuses and offers a voice to the long-term.
• “Goes wide” (utilizes fringe vision) to see complex cause and effect
  connections.
• Finds where unexpected results rise.
• Brings down the “water line” to concentrate on structure, not fault.
• Holds the strain of Catch 22 and debate without attempting to determine
  it quickly.