Book : Systems Archetype Basics: From Story To Structure (2007)

Summary

From the publisher:

Does your organization make the same mistakes over and over again, without being able to get a grip on the cause? If so, a systems archetype might be at work behind the scenes! The archetypes depict the recurring “stories” that often indicate imbalance in a system.

Working with these tools can help individuals and teams surface their mental models, communicate the “story,” and engage in creative dialogue about the entire system.

Written by top authors in the field, this workbook brings you the latest thinking about the archetypes—and provides plenty of practice using them.

Familiarize yourself with eight classic archetypes, such as Fixes That Fail and Limits to Success, by working step-by-step through vivid examples, illustrations, and exercises. Additional activities, potential responses, a handy “archetypes at a glance” chart, and a glossary of terms complete your learning experience.

Ideal for self-study or group practice, Systems Archetype Basics will give you the confidence and skill to start putting your knowledge to work.

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Book : The “Thinking” in Systems Thinking: Seven Essential Skills (2000)

Summary

From the Publisher

Why is it so challenging to think systemically? Because systems thinking involves a large number of different skills seven, at least that all require practice.

This guide summarizes the systems thinking method and shows you when to use each skill during the process. It also contrasts the skills with traditional approaches, explains what the skills look like “in action,” and provides tips for everyday practice.

In this newest volume in Pegasus’ bestselling Toolbox Reprint Series, Barry Richmond demystifies the “thinking” in systems thinking. The volume opens with an overview of the seven skills necessary to become a true systems thinker. Then, each two-page spread takes an in-depth look at an individual skill. The seven thinking skills—dynamic, system-as-cause, forest, operational, closed-loop, quantitative, and scientific—are also mapped onto the four-step process that underpins the systems thinking method, so you know when to best employ each skill. Includes plenty of examples of the skills in action, tips for honing the skills, and diagrams to capture key concepts.

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