Purpose To specify those parts of the system-in-focus which undertake System One (primary) activities. Abstract The system is what it does. Stafford Beer. We start now investigating the inner workings of the System and we start looking at the operational parts. As a first step, we want to get an overview of all value-creating units.
Purpose To identify those parts of the System-in-Focus that ensure that the Operational units interact in a stable manner. Abstract Find the tasks which cannot be executed locally by the Systems 1. Do not underestimate this step. A strong System 2 is one of the most effective ways to absorb variety. Tasks A3.1 Review your Operational
Step A3: System Two, Stability and conflict resolution Read More »
Purpose To identify the relations between the organization as a whole and its units, i.e. Systems One. Deal with aspects that cannot be handled by the Operational units or through horizontal coordination. Abstract We look first at the elements of System 3. We will describe the operational management. Also, most of the cost centers like
Purpose To identify those parts of the System-in-Focus that are concerned with future plans and strategies in the context of environmental information. Leading Question Which parts of the System in Focus produce strategies for future planning. Abstract Dealing with the future and the external world. Tasks A5.1 Look for relevant external factors and trends System
Purpose To identify those parts of the System-in-Focus which are concerned with Policy. Abstract System 5 is the mechanism that formulates the Identity, the Mission, or the North Star. Tasks A6.1 Note the Identity statement of the System-in-Focus Write down the identity statement of the System-in-Focus (or confirm that the SiF does not have one).
Step A6: System Five, Identify the policy making Read More »
Purpose Achieve an understanding of the System from a VSM perspective. Abstract Review the results of the analysis/preliminary diagnosis steps and draw first conclusions. Tasks B1.1 Review Review the system: you should have identified the major parts of your System-in-Focus which render it viable. B1.2 Missing Note which parts are missing, i.e. do not have
We will now begin to look at the way the various parts of the organization work together. At the end of this phase, Remember: we create policies to absorb variety. Variety is absorbed best locally. Our policy will therefore assign priorities to: Only involve higher management if something cannot be managed in these systems.
We will analyze the existing organization, a „Preliminary Diagnosis“. Preliminary means, that we will not go into too much detail, we want just get a rough picture of the existing organization. The analysis is structured roughly following the VSM subsystems for the System-in-Focus.The Observe part of OODA is mainly concerned with (surprise) observations, not with
The Map Every Transformation Journey is different. But a map could be useful to not lose orientation, to draw inspiration from it and to avoid blind spots. So far we have three continents where the map can help us to navigate:1. Evolving Strategy2. People and Culture3. Enabling Structures Common values and principles as well as
