Today’s Most Critical Workplace Challenges Are About Systems (HBR)

Most incredible Harvard Business Review article driving home what I'm always saying - addressing issues on an individual level will no longer be effective. The challenges we're facing have to do with the systems we have in place.

Today’s Most Critical Workplace Challenges Are About Systems Harvard Business Review by Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, ??

Skipping tons of very insightful info in the article to get to the best part -

"And on national and global levels, appreciating systemic inter-dependencies between businesses and communities can help create a healthier and systemically sustainable future of work — and the world."

My Commentary

It's no secret that even our big thinkers are stuck nowadays. They have no real vision or purpose, and simply don't deliver as they did in the past. Not only for ourselves, but also the next generation - in all areas of life, including the economy.

We are the first generation that will not leave a legacy for the future generation. As a result, there is nothing to truly motivate the next generation towards pursuing a promising future. No wonder they all hide behind their screens, where they can simply shut themselves off and build the kind of world they want, because there is no alternative.

So in light of the uncertain situation we find ourselves in, it was amazing for me to discover the breakthrough systems thinking of Edwards Deming about the functioning of an alternative mutual system over the individual development mode we're currently in.

"The aim for any system should be that everybody gains, not one part of the system at the expense of any other." Dr. Deming

The official definition of his system theory: "'A network of interdependent components that work together to try to accomplish the aim of the system. The aim for any system should be that everybody gains, not one part of the system at the expense of any other'.

OD expert Dr. Ludmila Praslova, Ph.D., SHRM-SCP, ?? Praslova explains how "Recent research supports Deming’s thinking: Systemic factors embedded in organizational cultures and processes are the primary cause of critical workplace issues."

So what they're actually saying, is that the healthy functioning of a mutual system is of higher priority than individual functioning. Which means that the human strategy is the most critical part of any plan and the highest priority for us to succeed.

It's important to note that no one can or needs to change the world, but everyone can start initiatives with this systems thinking approach in their own company. There is no need to change business priorities, or shift investments, or any special training. All that is required is shifting our energy to collaborations that will lead to new connections and new identification with the company. Meaning collaborations that will generate a new quality of relationships throughout the organization.

This fresh thinking* gave me new hope today, especially at a time when so many influencers are not delivering the goods. They speak and present brilliantly - but it's all flash and no substance.

I really hope that whoever reads this will take it under serious consideration, because this understanding this vital point is the key to our entire future transition period. To unlocking all the abundance in store for us.

If we focus on the functioning of the mutual system we're all connected to, rather than our own individual benefit - we'll all be better off in the long run.

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* The "fresh thinking" was actually born in the late 1980's - Deming’s theory of profound knowledge?is a management philosophy grounded in systems theory. It is based on the principle that each organization is composed of a system of interrelated processes and people which make up system’s components. The success of all workers within the system is dependent on management’s capability to orchestrate the delicate balance of each component for optimization of the entire system.