My predominant approach, which has emerged over 20 years of experience of applying systems thinking in practice, consists of three interconnected elements:

Firstly – I use the viable system model as a framework for inquiry, along with other systems thinking concepts/ ideas/approaches to get as full an understanding as possible of the complex situation we are exploring. This enables me to consider what moves towards improvement might be feasible next. It helps me to identify improvements or design things from scratch.

Secondly – Developed from my on the ground use of the viable system model is a framework for inquiry and action called ‘Creating the Conditions for Change©’. This element focusses on what humans do and need as they enact elements of the viable system model in reality. It focusses on self organisation, being adaptive, creative, innovative, receptive to new ideas and taking a learning and development approach. It focusses on bringing humanity back into work situations and shifts the viable system model from being a model about management to also being about leadership, including systems leadership. I couple this with insights from complex adaptive systems, enabling the VSM and ideas from CAS to act as complimentary frameworks. The aim is to support people to effectively engage with and understand complexity.

Thirdly – I focus on the orientation, nurturing and development of the individual, again using the viable system model as a framework for inquiry, but at the level of the individual. This part of the approach focusses on supporting individuals as they become receptive to change and develop their confidence as they engage with complex situations. The ethos is around human potential and flourishing.

Together, these three elements form a comprehensive learning system, allowing both individuals and the system they are part of to encompass connectedness, coherence and consciousness.

Others from the ‘Creating the Conditions©‘ suite of approaches:

• Creating the Conditions© for organisational adaptiveness/ viability (using the viable system model)
• Creating the Conditions© for change & improvement (using multiple systems thinking approaches)
• Creating the Conditions© for transformational learning (using the viable system model)
• Creating the Conditions© for digital inclusion (using multiple systems thinking approaches)
• Creating the Conditions© for systems change (using the viable system model)
• Creating the Conditions© for effective culture (using the viable system model)