Applied Systems Thinking / Resources

Practice

These 7 articles summarize some of the most important skills and tools of Applied Systems Thinking today.

Article	Author	Summary
Six Steps to Thinking Systemically	Michael R. Goodman & Richard Karash	Introduces the steps in conducting a systemic analysis and applies them to an actual business case.
The Systems Orientation: From Curiosity to Courage	Peter Stroh	Describes the orientation that underlies and reinforces the use of systems thinking tools, including curiosity, clarity, compassion, choice and courage.
Conducting an Effective Systems Analysis	David Peter Stroh	Describes the criteria for an effective systems analysis and 10 questions that can help you meet these criteria.
Defining Variables	David Peter Stroh	Provides guidelines for one of the most powerful and challenging steps in Systems Thinking: defining the factors that change and that we seek to change over time.
Identifying and Breaking Vicious Cycles	David Peter Stroh	Explains how to surface the most easily understood dynamic in Systems Thinking and transform it into an engine for success.
Conflicting Goals: Structural Tension at Its Worst	David Peter Stroh	Introduces the archetypal dynamics that unfold when the actions you take to achieve one goal undermine or limit your ability to accomplish other goals.
Going Deeper: Moving from Understanding to Action	Richard Karash & Michael R. Goodman	Explores in more depth one of the six steps involved in thinking systemically about business issues.