Are You a Systems Thinker?

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When I was a boy, my parents gave me a miniature see-through plastic V8 engine for Christmas. As my father and I assembled it, I was able to learn how an automobile engine works. When the battery-driven model was completed, you could turn it on and see all of the moving parts in action, even the spark plugs fired with little red lights. It provided an illuminating and instructive view of an automobile engine, one our most enduring systems.

To a "Systems Thinker," the world is very transparent. In business, Systems Thinkers easily interpret what is going on—what's working and what's not working in their organization. Their vividly clear view of the "nuts and bolts" of their operations transcends the typical observation of others. Systems Thinkers have the following advantages when observing the people and processes that make up their organization.

• They understand that for every effect, outcome or result, there is a specific cause that they can influence for the better.
• They see the interrelationships of all the moving parts and systems that work together to accomplish the goals of their organization.
• They know that the root of business problems is usually found in faulty systems, not people. To make improvements, they find the weak point of a system and fix it.
• They understand that growing a successful and profitable business requires strict attention to process and measurement throughout the organization.
• They know that having mature business systems that produce desirable and consistent results are their most valuable asset. Effective systems will enable them to one-day sell, franchise, or hire someone to run their organization.

As you become a Systems Thinker, you are more and more aware of the hum of systems within your business—whether in the factory or the office. You see all of the moving parts of the "engine" as it strives to power the organization's throughput of products and services.

As a Systems Thinker, problems become more apparent and solutions more obvious. Ideas flood your mind for elevating your business systems and processes to create a remarkable organization. There is no other way!

Think Systems!
Ron