What is Management System Thinking?

Management System Thinking Miniseries

Management system thinking rationalizes decision making in complex organizations. 

The Beginning

My first exposure to management system thinking was during my first staff assignment as a mid-level officer in US Coast Guard Headquarters.  Up to that time, I had enjoyed a series of assignments as a construction manager and facility engineer.  After many years of hands-on “managing assets” field-level experience I was ready for anything, except for what happened next.

My Reward

I was rewarded for all this good work and experience by being assigned to dreaded headquarters.  Headquarters serves a critical role, but as a mid-level “field guy” my understanding of its importance is summarized as – limited. 

Going in, the best description of headquarters that was related to me was that it was a building surrounded by a cloud of brain farts.  At the time, to look cool to my “field level brothers and sisters”, I explained my three years there as follows:

• 1^st Year – I was in denial.

• 2^nd Year – was a series of failed escape attempts.

• 3^rd Year – I smartened up and worked hard to get out early for good behavior.

What really happened was a metamorphosis.  I began to…