Each year, as a team we work together to evaluate Words@Work to determine what it is we do well and what we can do to improve Words@Work as a whole. In evaluating our strengths this year, we realized that each of us has lots of knowledge to share with our clients and each other. However, we struggled to find the best way to share that information. It was there that we developed the idea of Words@Work Academy.
Every month, a different member of our team will lead an hour-long workshop exploring a topic that helps us expand our knowledge of new marketing and business tactics. Our hope is that sharing will help us to better serve and understand our clients and the ever-changing marketing world.
Katelynn led our first installment of Words@Work Academy and chose to discuss an important part of the innovation process: Systems Thinking. Systems Thinking is the process of thinking of events in loops rather than basic cause and effect. Most people, on the surface, are event thinkers. For example, when they go to start their car, they simply think of it as: put the key in the ignition, turn it and the car starts. In reality, however, a car starting is actually a much longer process. Becoming a systems thinker involves looking into events as a series of feedback loops. It is through these loops that one can see why things actually happen, allowing us to have a better understanding of the process.
So how can Systems Thinking help us? By thinking about events in a system rather than basic cause and effect, we can become better problem solvers, create more efficient systems, explore new opportunities, and get a better understanding of how things work. At Words@Work, we want to help you learn the systems behind what it is you do. With this understanding, we can help you find ways to make your business more efficient and profitable and get to the heart of the challenges that you may be experiencing. You can learn more about Systems Thinking by talking to us. Or if you’d like to get a more in-depth look at systems thinking, read Peter Senge’s book, “The Fifth Discipline.”
We are looking forward to continuing Words@Work Academy and sharing our knowledge not only within our team but with you as well! Do you have any topics you’d like to see us cover? We’d love to share what we learn with you!