Don’t Get Lost in the Woods - Realize You’re Thinking in Circles

After a long hiatus we are back with an amazing guest. David Peter Stroh joins as the guest on this episode to help illustrate the art of systems thinking. We start by discussing why it is so important to begin with the individual as the protagonist of the story so they can see how they are involved in, impacted by , and impacting the system. This leads to some great discourse on the power of reflection and recognizing that systems have time delays.  David uses this to highlight the importance of patience and persistence along with providing various examples to show us how we can take action now to begin to be systems thinkers. David shares a high level synopsis of his four stage approach to system thinking and reminds everyone that they can all do a lot! 

David Peter Stroh is a founding partner of Bridgeway Partners (https://bridgewaypartners.com), a consulting firm that partners with mission-centered organizational leaders committed to advancing social and environmental transformation. He is internationally recognized for his work in enabling leaders to apply systems thinking to achieve breakthroughs around chronic, complex problems and to develop strategies which improve system-wide performance over time.

David has been described as “a magician” and “the master at providing interesting and useful ways to look at the complexity of systems thinking”, who “helped us tremendously in getting to the core issues” with “the mind of a scientist and the heart of a healer.” 

He is the author of the highly regarded book Systems Thinking for Social Change: A Practical Guide for Solving Complex Problems, Avoiding Unintended Consequences, and Achieving Lasting Results, a #1 Best-Seller in Non-Governmental Organization Policy which readers praise as "an essential - and long overdue - guide to applied systems thinking" that "shows you how to enlist others in the effort" by "masterfully weaving metaphor, story, and practical tools" using "down-to-earth language."

Resources:

David is Founding Director of Applied Systems Thinking: 

AppliedSystemsThinking.com

 

David Peter Stroh - Systems Thinking for Social Change

Systems Thinking for Social Change: A Practical Guide to Solving Complex Problems, Avoiding Unintended Consequences, and Achieving Lasting Results 

 

Robert Lupton - Toxic Charity 

Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help (And How to Reverse It)