Seeing Systems

This week's Leadership Theme focuses on the idea of "Seeing Systems" from Chapter 4 of Peter Senge's book, The Necessary Revolution. As we implement our Applied Health Leadership Projects (AHLP), we need to see our work in the larger context to thrive. Senge asks us to look at these four factors and corresponding questions:   

Factor 1: Events - What just happened?    
Factor 2: Patterns or trends - What has been happening?   
Factor 3: Deeper systemic structures or forces - How are the forces at play contributing to these factors?   
Factor 4: Mental modes or assumptions that shape these structures - What about our thinking allows this situation to persist?   

When we can "see systems," we approach our work in different ways and expand the outcomes we seek and the partners we need to accomplish those goals. This process is critical to real solution-building in population health improvement. Once we get those partners in the room, we need to build momentum. Senge's diagram of "Building Momentum" is synonymous with the continuous quality improvement (CQI) philosophy that LAPH promotes as a critical competency. This cyclical diagram has arrows that connect "Developing Focus" to "Engaging and Learning from Experience" to "Reflecting to Build Shared Vision" to "Building Possibilities," and then back full circle to "Developing Focus." 

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