When we talk about systems thinking, we often visualize it as a methodology to understand and manage complex situations and issues. As someone who has journeyed through different realms of knowledge and enterprise, I can attest to the transformative power of systems thinking. But to truly appreciate this, I need to take you back to where my affair with systems thinking began – back to the classrooms of my university.
After a pause in my education, I decided to go back to school to complete my bachelor\’s degree in 2006. I was blessed to be taught by some of the finest minds in academia, but one professor who left an indelible impact on me was Dr. Farshid Abdi. His course on systems analysis became my portal to the world of systems thinking. I attended his class for three different semesters, and each time I learned something new. Not only because the course was a repository of rich content, but also because it was ever-evolving, with Dr. Abdi continuously enriching it with new insights.
Inspired by this newfound knowledge, I took up a project to translate a book on systems thinking. Although I chose a rather difficult one and couldn\’t continue it, this endeavor played a significant role in honing my understanding of systems thinking.
This understanding took a more practical shape when I started applying systems thinking to various facets of my life. At my workplace, systems thinking equipped me to deal with complex scenarios. By viewing my company as a system of interconnected parts rather than isolated departments, I was able to foster better communication and collaboration, leading to improved outcomes.
Similarly, my understanding of systems thinking allowed me to analyze the economic system on a macro level. It broadened my perspective, enabling me to grasp the intricacies of my country\’s economy system, understanding how individual elements interact with each other and impact the overall economy.
When I ventured into startups, systems thinking became a valuable tool in my arsenal. The \’zoom in, zoom out\’ approach that systems thinking advocates was invaluable in the strategic planning of my ventures. By zooming out, I could comprehend the big picture and devise long-term strategies. Conversely, zooming in allowed me to focus on the details and plan for them meticulously.
My first publication on the subject came years later, when I was looking to build a research resume after my master\’s. By then, systems thinking was not just an academic interest but an integral part of my professional life.
In retrospect, studying systems analysis and immersing myself in systems thinking wasn\’t merely an academic pursuit; it was a journey that shaped my perspective and approach towards life and work. The ability to view situations from a systemic lens has made me a more effective decision-maker, a better planner, and a more insightful leader.
My journey with systems thinking continues, and as I navigate through new challenges and opportunities, I am confident that this approach will guide me towards making informed and holistic decisions. Stay tuned as I delve deeper into my experiences with systems thinking in my upcoming articles!