New to executive leadership? Connect the dots with systems thinking

Ever played one of those games where you connect the dots to reveal a hidden picture? Moving into executive leadership is a bit like that. One of the superpowers you’ll want in your kit bag is systems thinking.

Just to mix metaphors, in your earlier career stages you were the maestro of your domain – the expert who had mastered the art. But guess what? Now, you're not just a section of the orchestra; you're conducting the whole symphony. Systems thinking is your baton, allowing you to see beyond isolated notes and comprehend the entire composition.

So, what exactly is systems thinking? It's the ability to see beyond individual components and understand the intricate web of relationships and interactions within and beyond an organisation. Instead of merely focusing on a single department, you're deciphering the threads that tie departments and organisations together, the interdependencies, the emerging dynamics, the domino effect of decisions, and the ripple effect of changes.

Here's how to embrace the power of systems thinking…

1. Embrace the Bigger Picture

Shift your perspective from the microscope to the telescope. Understand how each action reverberates across the organisation. A decision in one department might be the butterfly that triggers a hurricane in another.

2. Ask the Right Questions

Become the savvy investigator of leadership by posing insightful questions. How do different departments collaborate? What are the downstream effects of this strategy? What's the ultimate impact on our stakeholders? A common question I’m asked is how, as an executive leader, you’ll know when to zoom back in to the detail. Asking the right questions will give you that information.

3. Analyse Relationships

Let your brain ponder the cause-and-effect relationships that might not be immediately apparent. Connect the dots between seemingly unrelated actions and outcomes to uncover hidden patterns. We are pattern recognition machines …. When you’re relaxed you’ll be better at spotting opportunities and generating insights than when you’re stressed. So make sure you block out plenty of unhurried thinking time across your week.

4. Collaborate and Communicate

Systems thinking isn't a solo adventure. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, gather diverse perspectives, and ensure everyone understands how their role contributes to the bigger organisational tapestry.

5. Experiment and Adapt

Just like a scientific exploration, test your assumptions and hypotheses about the organisational system. If something isn't working as expected, be ready to adapt and fine-tune your approach. It’s evolving minute by minute; so will you.

So pick up your systems thinking magnifying glass, get your beauty sleep, eat your vegetables, channel your inner Benoit Blanc and start connecting those dots. Soon, you'll be orchestrating harmonious success across your organisational symphony!

Until next week,

Take care of yourself and others,

Madeleine

PS If you’d like me to work with you as you step into your first executive leadership role, let me know and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

PPS Yes, I do like metaphors and yes, I may have overcooked that omelette today.

I help accomplished professionals untangle difficult career questions so they can thrive in work and life.

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