The language surrounding systems thinking can be very entertaining.  Anyone with an encounter with systems thinking knows that different thinking must prevail and that it requires one to unlearn and then relearn a different and better way of thinking.  This is a challenge to many and management is no exception and, in fact, are the targets of much of this better thinking.

If one is to unlearn that means old assumptions must be replaced with empirical evidence.  Too often we base whole business plans on one persons “theory” and spend to little time getting knowledge.  I have long coined the phrase that this requires a “brain enema” – flushing the old thinking out to introduce new thinking and learning.

Another equally important phrase is associated with Russell Ackoff’s “doing the wrong thing, righter.”  Where we have people with the false belief that the problem is we just need refinement of old, bad thinking to get better.  The phrase “polished turds” now permeates the ears of those that engage in this brand of thinking.

I don’t know whether these crude, but appropriate, phrases will catch on . . . but they should. 

Imagine your next executive meeting where instead of accepting the same normal BS one hears, that you have new language to communicate your dissatisfaction with assumptions in the development of next year’s business plan.  “Excuse me ladies and gentlemen, but aren’t we just polishing turds here?”

Or when management makes a poor decision (as they are known to do) there should be a “free brain enema clinic” sign posted on the door of the executive wash room. 

The possibilities are endless.  If you have more systems thinking examples to point out the err of management ways,  post them here.

Leave me a comment. . . share your opinion!  Click on comments below.

Make the new decade a profitable and rewarding one, start a new path here.  Download free from www.newsystemsthinking.com “Understanding Your Organization as a System” and gain knowledge of systems thinking or contact us about how to get started at tripp@newsystemsthinking.com.  Reach him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/TriBabbittor LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/in/trippbabbitt.

Tripp Babbitt is a columist (Quality Digest and IQPC), speaker, and consultant to private and public service industry.