Think Like a System: Be an Applied Systems Thinker

Abstract

This chapter shows how the Jungian personality typology leads to a very different form of systems analysis that is applicable to all organizations. For instance, while traditional Venture Capitalists are primarily interested in (1) how soon a startup can pay back initial investment capital (narrow, short-term economic and technical concerns) and (2) whether an initial idea is truly revolutionary and visionary (broader, long-term economic and technical concerns), every organization also needs to pay attention to (3) the broader needs of its surrounding community (wider human concerns) and (4) the engagement and health of its workers and their families (personal concerns). Over the long haul, all four must work together seamlessly if any organization is to be successful.