Let’s take a closer look at the effect that comes from systems behavior of intelligence (systems thinking), as well as when it is applied and who needs to use systems thinking. As we remember, our intelligence is responsible for solving new complex problems. Ordinary tasks are solved through applied role-acting skills, but when a task’s complexity goes over the top, that’s when intelligence kicks in. Modern trends indicate that a person is increasingly faced with a variety of new complex tasks from different areas of activity, and solving them requires taking into account many different interests. Therefore we can formulate the following requirements to the intelligence which demonstrates systems thinking:
- to link together different points of view in the world (perspectives on the reality);
- versatility in solving complex new problems from different areas of activity;
- constant improvement of the speed and quality of problem-solving.
As we remember from earlier posts, each person has their own perspective on reality. Different roles see the physical world in their own way, and each role has its’ own description of reality. It is clear that different people want to transform the world in their own way. And that’s okay. However, the very knowledge of different points of view on the world and the interests of different people does not bring us closer to the knowledge of how to change the world and what systems to create.
We need a higher-level theory that can link different perspectives on reality. This higher-level theory is called the transdiscipline “systems thinking”, and the intellect, where this transdiscipline is loaded into, gives out the function of systems thinking. Through this behavior of the intellect, different interests of the roles are linked in a consistent way. Accordingly, the transdiscipline “systems thinking” postulates that a successful system is one in which the interests of all project roles (stakeholders) are taken into account.
The transdiscipline “systems thinking” by means of certain concepts and principles of considering the physical world allows us to create high-level models in which different disciplines are linked into one system definition. When we talk about systems thinking, we believe that it is also a tool for combining different pictures of the world.
Systems thinking does not only link different pictures of the world but also allows a universal approach to solving new complex problems from different areas of activity. That is, once you learned the transdiscipline of systems thinking, you can convert problems into tasks and then find ways to solve tasks that arise in any work activity or in everyday life. That is, systems thinking provides the same approach to how to think when faced with complexity. For example, you need to identify areas of concern, system levels and identify all stakeholders, their needs, and requirements. But this is only the beginning; for a system definition and subsequent creation of a system, it will be necessary to apply other concepts and models of systems thinking, and also to link them with applied practices.
In addition, systems thinking as a transdiscipline enhances intelligence. By studying systems thinking, a person “pumps” his brain in the most effective way. Transdiscipline for the brain is like a barbell for muscles. By pumping intelligence, we get the speed and quality of solving new complex problems. Constant training of systems thinking in work projects increases fluency and the complexity of the tasks being solved. In difficult new situations, we need intelligence, since only mental skill can find a way out. Self-ownership, self-collectedness will allow us to set ourselves up for action, but the ability to pull ourselves together does not yet allow us to find a solution. The applied skill would help to find a solution, but often in new situations, professional experience can be useless or, on the contrary, harmful. Only intelligence will allow us to understand what situation we are in, convert the problem into a formulated task, and find tools to solve it. These tools can be the necessary applied practices. Moreover, if they are new, then intellect will allow us to master them faster.