How We Normally Solve Problems

We tend to solve problems by breaking them down, prioritizing the issues and tackling them one by one. Such piecemeal fixes only address the symptoms but not the underlying causes that perpetuate the problem. In fact, the solution for one problem often creates other problems. For example, to improve our financial performance, we cut budgets.

People start to feel frustrated and demoralized; productivity drops and performance worsens. The way to break free from this vicious cycle is to adopt a system-wide perspective and change the context in which your actions are being taken.