Twelve Simple Rules of Systems Thinking for Complex Global Issues
by Louise Diamond, Ph.D.

The study of living systems – through biology, physics, mathematics, cybernetics, ecology, complexity theory, chaos theory, systems theory, and other sciences – helps us understand the world we live in and how we can better navigate its rich, if sometimes daunting, complexity.

Our human systems at various levels of organization – the individual, families, communities, affinity groups, organizations, nations, international entities, etc. – all exhibit the common dynamics of living systems.

We are increasingly aware that all our living systems – human and natural – are at risk today, as we face incredibly complex and interconnected challenges related to global security, environmental degradation, and inter-woven economies.  Understanding the nature and dynamics of living systems, therefore, can shed light on how we think about our problems and our resources, and about the assumptions and the choices we make. 

Here are 12 basic concepts about living systems and their implications for policy considerations: 

1. In complex systems, all the elements or agents are interconnected, as in a giant web.  They are also interdependent – what happens to one affects all others.  Therefore:  Connect the disconnected.

2. Complexity is the nature and condition of living systems and the world we live in.  What we know about complex systems is that there are multiple agents or elements, combining and interacting in unpredictable and non-linear ways.  This means decisions often lead to unintended consequences.  Therefore:  Ground yourself in unpredictability.

3. In that giant web of interconnectedness, the points or nodes where the agents meet are the relationships, or opportunities for interaction.  These interactions determine what will happen to the system.  The nature and quality of these relationships, therefore, are critically important.  Therefore:  Create conditions for quality engagements.

4. We know that all living systems exchange energy, matter, and information across their boundaries.  At any time there can be imbalances in these flows, stuck places, over- or under-accumulation, etc.  Therefore:  Re-balance the flows across boundaries.

5. All living systems develop patterns.  Often these patterns are self-reinforcing and become deeply embedded and difficult to change.  Many of these patterns in human systems are common and recognizable.  Patterns also show up in similar forms at different scales or levels of the system.  Therefore:  Re-pattern for sustainability and well-being of the whole. 

6. We know from living systems that everything is a whole in itself and at the same time part of a larger whole.  Therefore:  Attend to ever smaller parts and ever larger wholes.

7. Living systems organize themselves through the interactions of their agents or parts.  The basic format of that organization is networks – that is, groups of parts joined together in a de-centralized way for some period of time.  Therefore:  Pay attention to emerging networks.

8. Systems move between various degrees of stability and instability, order and disorder.  When the disorder, or chaos, becomes too great, things fall apart.  When the order is too rigid, things cannot grow or develop.  Yet a certain degree of instability, or the edge of chaos, can also be a powerful moment of creative change.  Therefore:  Seek coherence within chaos. 

9. All living systems exist within a single field of potential, where the observer is a player, our thoughts have consequences, and creative solutions emerge. Therefore:  Play the Field.

10. Living systems exist within their own unique context.  For human systems, that context is the narrative that gives meaning to our choices and actions.  Therefore:  Articulate, communicate, and validate the stories you tell yourself.

11. The parts of living systems cohere around a common shared purpose.  Therefore:  Define and revisit goals and purpose.

12. Living systems are learning systems.  That is, they adapt from the feedback they receive from their internal and external environments.  Therefore:  Learn and change from inner and outer messages.

 

Louise Diamond, Ph.D., is president of Global Systems Initiatives, which brings whole systems thinking to complex global issues. www.globalsystemsinitiatives.net

 

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