Change one action, change the system.
Systems sometime feel unchangeable, because there are so many interlocking parts that reinforce each other that to dismantle the system would require changing everything all at once. When I was younger, I would look at behavior I didn’t like at a company, see how it was reinforced by the incentives and behaviors of the leaders, and get discouraged because it seemed like the only way to change things would be to replace the leadership team and redesign the entire compensation system.
And yet, each of us has the power to change our individual actions. And human systems are composed of individuals who react to each other. By changing what you do on a daily basis, perhaps you might inspire somebody else to change their actions. And if enough people change their behavior, the system changes. As Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
It doesn’t always work, as changing the system is hard. But nothing will change if everybody does the same thing as before.
What’s one different action you can take today that would nudge the system in your desired direction? Try it and see what ripples occur as a result!
#systemsthinking #change #youhaveachoice