Question

How would you apply systems thinking to a problem such as poor performance in your current academic studies? What a problem with a family member? Try to identify all the elements and their interdependencies.

Answer 1

Systems thinking is a process of seeing specific elements of a system and the continual behavior patterns in a particular company, person, or groups of both and their intertwined relationships. Basically all relationships have patterns of behavior that are consistent for the personalities or ways the businesses operate. If poor academic performance was an issue it would make sense to analyze the behaviors and relationships to see where positive improvements could be made. In the case of academic studies, better teachers or study partners would be a possible focus.

Systems thinking with a romantic partner or family member could be a difficult and sensitive process, however it is doable. One would just have to figure out which emotional systems are at issue and focus on those for positive improvements. This would only work if the other person were open to positive improvements in the relationship.