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1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Human Systems Dynamics at Work Work February 20, 2008 February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. [email protected] February 2008 1 © 2007. Human Systems Dynamics Institute.
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1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. [email protected].

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Page 1: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Finding the Fix that Fits:Finding the Fix that Fits:Human Systems Dynamics at WorkHuman Systems Dynamics at Work

February 20, 2008February 20, 2008

Mental Model Gymnastics

Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D.

[email protected]

February 2008 1© 2007. Human Systems Dynamics Institute.

Page 2: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Finding the Fix that FitsFinding the Fix that FitsIntroduction: The Fix that Fits October 3, 2007

Session 1: Self-Organizing November 28, 2007

Session 2: Fingerprints of Chaos December 19, 2007

Session 3: Adaptive Action January 9, 2008

Session 4: Mental Model Gymnastics

February 20, 2008Session 5. Seeing and Influencing March 5, 2008

Session 6: Shaping Possibilities April 16, 2008

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Page 3: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Your Last Assignment Your Last Assignment (if you chose to accept it)(if you chose to accept it)

Consider a current issue for you or your team.Use post-it notes to identify the aspects of the

issue that fall into each part of the Landscape Diagram.

Decide which is most problematic for you and your team.

Make a plan and take action to move it.Watch what happens and be prepared to share your

discoveries. 3

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Today we will . . . .Today we will . . . .

Challenge your mental model of productivity for individuals and groups.

Define generative relationship.Explore a model that helps you assess and

intervene to improve the productivity of a group.Assess the current productivity for a group you

are engaged with and plan an intervention to improve.

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Your Guide . . . Glenda EoyangYour Guide . . . Glenda EoyangGlenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D.Glenda H. Eoyang, [email protected]@hsdinstitute.org

Productivity Mechanical metaphors assume faster and

harder are better. Biological metaphors assume adaptation

and survival are better. Who is right?

It depends. Which mental model fits the situation,

resources, expectations? The critical question is:

Are you and your group prepared to know the difference and pursue the most “fit” solution to improve productivity?

Page 6: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Faster and Harder Are Better

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Adaptation and Survival Are Better

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How do you currently measure productivity?

Measures of

fast and hard

Measures of

adapt and survive

Page 9: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Traditional Measures Workwhen They FIT

Outcome is known. Process is predictable. Resources are available. Consistency is important

and possible. Homogeneity is the rule

rather than the exception. Parts are either identical or

few in number. Process is under control.

Page 10: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Traditional Measures DO NOT Workwhen They DO NOT FIT

Outcome is unknown or unknowable.

Process is unpredictable. Resources are scarce. Consistency is not important or

impossible. Homogeneity is the exception

rather than the rule. Parts are either diverse or many

in number. Process is not under control.

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So, what does work?

Generative relationships: Multiple players Complex interactions Emergent system-wide

patterns Surprising change over time

This works for both human and other systems.

We will focus on the human ones.

How do you measure performance?

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Generative Relationship STAR

• Originally developed by Brenda Zimmerman.

• Defines four factors that shape productivity.

• Helps you assess the current balance among the factors.

• Provides hints about how to intervene to shift factors to improve generative productivity.

• Helps a group reflect on their own processes without getting side-tracked into personal or psychological territory.

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Generative Relationship STAR

Similarities and Differences

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Similarities and Differences

Similarities hold the group together.Differences define patterns of interaction and

potential for change.Both need attention for a generative action to form.When there’s too much difference . . . .

What can you do?When there’s too much similarity . . .

What can you do?

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Generative Relationship STAR

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

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Talking and ListeningThe connections allow diverse agents to work

together to form new, shared patterns.Talking lets the individual inform the group.Listening lets the group inform the individual.Transformation happens for individual and group.When there’s too much talking . . . .

What can you do?When there’s too much listening . . .

What can you do?When there’s not enough talking and listening . . .

What can you do?

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Generative Relationship STAR

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

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Authentic WorkThe authentic work gives a focus to the energy of

the group. It provides a feedback loop that supports

adaptation over time. It gives evidence to those inside and others outside

that something is happening.When there’s too much work . . . .

What can you do?When there’s not enough work. . .

What can you do?

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Generative Relationship STAR

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

Reason

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ReasonThe reason for coming together draws the right

players into the group and keeps the group moving forward.

In traditional models, the reason comes first. In generative relationship it may develop over time.

A shared reason will work even when there are “hidden agendas.”

When there’s not a good enough reason . . . What can you do?

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Consider Your Group

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

Reason

What are the similarities that hold you together and the

differences that inform your work?

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Consider Your Group

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

Reason

What are your habits for talking and listening?

Do they serve you well?

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Consider Your Group

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

Reason

What is your authentic work? Is it serving you and your

customers well?

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Consider Your Group

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

Reason

What is your reason for being together?

How do you articulate and reinforce that reason over time?

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Consider Your Group

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

Reason

Which point of the STAR is out of balance?

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Consider Your Group

Similarities and Differences

Talking and Listening

Authentic Work

Reason

What can you and others do to balance the points of the

Generative Relationship STAR?

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Today we have . . . .Today we have . . . .

Challenged your mental model of productivity for individuals and groups.

Defined generative relationship.Explored a model that helps you assess and

intervene to improve the productivity of a group.Assessed the current productivity for a group you

are engaged with and plan an intervention to improve.

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Page 28: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Your Assignment Your Assignment (if you choose to accept it)(if you choose to accept it)

Implement the plan of action you defined as you considered the STAR and your generative group.

Document changes you notice as a result.Reassess the STAR for the group.Be prepared to share your findings.

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Page 29: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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Finding the Fix that FitsFinding the Fix that FitsIntroduction: The Fix that Fits October 3, 2007

Session 1: Self-Organizing November 28, 2007

Session 2: Fingerprints of Chaos Dec 19, 2007

Session 3: Adaptive Action January 9, 2008

Session 4: Mental Model Gymnastics February 20

Session 5. Seeing and Influencing March 5, 2008Session 6: Shaping Possibilities April 16, 2008

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Page 30: 1 Finding the Fix that Fits: Human Systems Dynamics at Work February 20, 2008 Mental Model Gymnastics Glenda H. Eoyang, Ph.D. geoyang@hsdinstitute.org.

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THANKS!THANKS!

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