Introduction

The systems thinking exercise has fundamentally three segments that help to understand the truth involved to collaborate functions and make sense of the ultimate “thing”. For example, different people use different methods to explain the process of making a toast. Some people emphasize on the supply chain, people component or the process involved. But the common element that is observed in all these processes is the presence of the “nodes”. 

They represent the tangible elements like the toaster, people involved in preparing them.  Similarly, the links highlight the connection that exists between the nodes. Ultimately the combination of the nodes and the links helps to produce the desired result i.e. the complete “systems model”. The main message that is highlighted by Tom Wujec relates to the different points of views of people (Wujec, 2013). People understand the importance of breaking down complex things into simple processes and join them back together.

Key messages

The fundamental focus is on system thinking, i.e. how complex processes can be broken down into simple things by using nodes and links. Tom Wujec has highlighted three processes that are used by people to understand the process to make toasts. The first process involves using of drawings, the second process involves the using of sticky notes and the third process involves the use of group notes (Wujec, 2013). 

The final model i.e. the group process is initially messy and confusing but with the passage of time and with the new iteration the process gets simplified and clear. Since the participants of the group are able to build on top of each others’ ideas, the ultimate result that emerges is the unified systems model which is able to integrate the diversity of the involved participants’ points of views. 

Analysis of the message

In order to solve a complex and wicked problem, it is necessary to understand the exact processes and activities that need to be undertaken in an organizational setting in order to determine the oath that must be followed to solve problems. The main processes that have been highlighted that must be followed while preparing a toast have certain advantages. The drawing process helps to comprehend the situations as “systems” that involve nodes and their major association (Wujec, 2013). 

The use of sticky notes is useful because it helps to produce effective and better systems model. Ultimately the group notes are useful because it helps to produce the “most comprehensive models” because they are able to synthesize various points of views.

When individuals work in groups under different situations, the group system models are considered to be more effective and useful as compared to the individual models. Organizations can solve their “wicked problems” relating to their vision or customer experience by collaboratively drawing them out (Wujec, 2013).

Conclusion

In the organizational context, the systems model is of high relevance. The group approach helps the concerns to solve their problems by adopting a collaborative approach. The nodes and links come into play and help firms to solve complex problems. This the process is simple and involves identifying the question, collecting nodes, refining them multiple times and ultimately the pattern emerges. 

References

Wujec, T., 2013. Got a wicked problem? First, tell me how you make toast. TED Global.