Systems thinking is a holistic approach to analysis that focuses on the way that a systems constituent parts interrelate and how systems work over time and within the context of larger systems. It is a way of making sense of the complexity of the world by looking at it in terms of wholes and relationships rather than by splitting it down into its parts. Systems thinking is a way of exploring and developing effective action in complex contexts, enabling systems change. It is a disciplined approach for examining problems more completely and accurately before acting, and it allows us to ask better questions before jumping to conclusions.

Some key characteristics of systems thinking include:

• Attention to feedback: This is an essential component of system thinking. For example, in project management, prevailing wisdom may prescribe the addition of workers to a project that is lagging. However, in practice, that tactic might have actually slowed development in the past. Attention to that relevant feedback can allow management to look for other solutions rather than wasting resources on an approach that has been demonstrated to be counterproductive.

• Use of computer simulation and diagrams: Systems thinking uses computer simulation and a variety of diagrams and graphs to model, illustrate, and predict system behavior. Among the systems thinking tools include the behavior over time (BOT) graph, the causal loop diagram (CLD), and the stock and flow diagram.

• Holistic approach: Systems thinking is a holistic way to investigate factors and interactions that could contribute to a possible outcome. It views problems as part of a wider, dynamic system.

Systems thinking can be used in any area of research and has been applied to the study of medical, environmental, political, economic, human resources, and educational systems, among many others. It is a great tool to remind us to always consider the bigger picture and to understand how the individual parts interact to make up the big picture. Applying a systems thinking mindset can help provide clarity for all of the different factors that impact results.