How do you avoid silos and promote cross-functional collaboration with systems thinking?

1 Define the system

The first step to apply systems thinking is to define the system you are working on or within. A system is a set of elements that interact and produce outcomes. For example, a system could be a product, a process, an organization, or an industry. To define the system, you need to identify its boundaries, components, relationships, and purpose. You can use tools such as diagrams, maps, or models to visualize the system and communicate it to others. By defining the system, you can clarify the scope, goals, and context of your project or problem.

2 Engage stakeholders

The next step to apply systems thinking is to engage stakeholders who are involved in or affected by the system. Stakeholders are people or groups who have an interest, influence, or role in the system. They can provide valuable insights, perspectives, and feedback on the system and its challenges. To engage stakeholders, you need to identify them, invite them, listen to them, and involve them. You can use methods such as interviews, surveys, workshops, or co-creation to collect and analyze stakeholder input. By engaging stakeholders, you can build trust, alignment, and diversity in your team.

3 Analyze patterns

The third step to apply systems thinking is to analyze patterns that emerge from the system and its interactions. Patterns are recurring behaviors, trends, or outcomes that indicate how the system operates and changes over time. They can reveal the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the system. To analyze patterns, you need to observe, measure, and interpret data and information from the system and its environment. You can use tools such as graphs, charts, or indicators to display and compare patterns. By analyzing patterns, you can identify problems, opportunities, and leverage points in the system.

4 Design interventions

The fourth step to apply systems thinking is to design interventions that can improve the system and its outcomes. Interventions are actions or changes that aim to influence the system and its components. They can be technical, organizational, behavioral, or policy-related. To design interventions, you need to generate, evaluate, and select ideas that address the root causes and multiple aspects of the problem or opportunity. You can use techniques such as brainstorming, prototyping, or testing to develop and refine interventions. By designing interventions, you can create solutions that are holistic, innovative, and sustainable.

5 Implement and learn

The final step to apply systems thinking is to implement and learn from the interventions and their impacts. Implementation is the process of putting the interventions into practice and monitoring their effects. Learning is the process of collecting and analyzing feedback and data from the implementation and adjusting the interventions accordingly. To implement and learn, you need to plan, execute, and review the interventions and their results. You can use frameworks such as agile, lean, or adaptive management to guide and improve the implementation and learning process. By implementing and learning, you can ensure that the interventions are effective, relevant, and scalable.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?