Betterment &
Systems Intelligence
A couple of concepts &
a book.
Betterment:
The quote “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts” is attributed to Aristotle, and may very well be a misquote. (If you are into philosophy of science, you may enjoy reading this elaboration on the matter.) Anyway, systems thinkers embrace this quote warmly; and that´s where I hop in. I unabashedly claim that this concept IS PRECISE We need to be and act together in a skilled way, and we need every head and heart logged on, so that we may navigate the future as more resourced humans. The complexity of our times demands it! This requires exploring and learning from the implications of the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
In the research field of Operations, they use the term betterment, or the science of better – that in a nutshell is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions. In this context however, I use the term betterment to relate to us humans willingly, more consciously becoming better versions of ourselves by growing our skills of inner technology – accessing more of our essence. Consequently we make better decisions in our own lives, for ourselves and contribute better to our relationships systems. This betterment is described in the concept of Systems Intelligence.
Systems Intelligence:
The term Systems Intelligence (SI) is a new level of intelligence, claims the Finish professors Esa Saarinen and Raimo Hämäläinen, 2004. They have been researching and writing about SI in the academic literature ever since. Together with Rachel Jones they wrote the book Being Better Better – Living with Systems Intelligence, 2014. The book focuses on everyday relationship systems we all are a part of, like families, workplaces and communities. The eight dimensions they discuss aim to help us reflect how we live in a world of systems; how everything is interrelated. How we sense, think and act impacts every system we are a part of, and we are influenced in return. Consequently, our skills to be system intelligent matters greatly. Our abilities and willingness to be better, more systems intelligent, may well be the skillset the future demands.
Being Better Better – Living with Systems Intelligence is useful for all systems-workers. It is a well-written book, (with a gold-mine of a reference list). The book is illustrated in a way that enriches the message and charms the reader. Therefore, I wholeheartedly recommend a deep-dive into this concept to learn and reflect on improving your systems intelligence. Authors´ description of systems intelligence, read more here.