Last updated on Nov 24, 2024

How do you learn from other systems thinkers and avoid availability bias or anchoring bias?

Systems thinking is a way of seeing and understanding the interrelationships and patterns that shape complex systems. It can help you solve problems, design solutions, and improve your decision-making. But how do you learn from other systems thinkers and avoid cognitive biases that might distort your perception and reasoning?

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1 # What are cognitive biases?

Cognitive biases are mental shortcuts or errors that affect how we process information, interpret situations, and make judgments. They can be influenced by our emotions, motivations, beliefs, and experiences. Some common cognitive biases that can affect systems thinking are availability bias and anchoring bias.

Availability bias is the tendency to rely on the most easily recalled or accessible information, rather than the most relevant or accurate one. For example, you might overestimate the risk of a rare event if you have recently heard or seen a vivid example of it, or underestimate the complexity of a system if you only focus on a few visible elements.

Anchoring bias is the tendency to be influenced by the first piece of information or number that you encounter, and use it as a reference point for subsequent judgments. For example, you might be swayed by an initial estimate or assumption, and fail to adjust your expectations or opinions based on new evidence or feedback.

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Tugan Gokce Ogun

Practitioner in Systemic Development - unlocking the guts for real, lasting change.
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As a mid-level manager in a team dominated by coercive power dynamics, I saw how anchoring and availability biases shaped decisions. In one project, a leader’s proposal anchored discussions, ignoring critical differences in context. To navigate this, I used data-driven arguments, strategic questioning and private discussions to build alliances. I framed ideas as enhancements, suggesting a pilot phase to test options. This approach led to better outcomes and reinforced the power of tact and collaboration. Now, in my consultancy and executive coaching, I help leaders recognize biases, navigate power dynamics and foster data-informed, inclusive decision-making.

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2 # How to learn from other systems thinkers

One of the best ways to learn from other systems thinkers is to expose yourself to diverse perspectives, experiences, and sources of knowledge. You can do this by reading books, articles, blogs, podcasts, or videos introducing you to different systems thinking frameworks, methods, tools, and applications. Joining online or offline communities, networks, or groups also connects you with other systems thinkers from various disciplines, sectors, and backgrounds. Participating in discussions, events, webinars, workshops, or courses offer chances to learn, share, and collaborate. Additionally, seeking feedback from experienced systems thinkers can provide guidance or advice. You can ask them to review your work or challenge assumptions. Observing how they approach problems, communicate ideas or facilitate processes is beneficial too.

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3 # How to avoid availability bias and anchoring bias

To avoid availability bias and anchoring bias, it is important to be aware of your own thinking patterns and challenge them with critical thinking and evidence. To do this, you can ask yourself questions to examine your sources, assumptions, and conclusions. Additionally, seek out information that contradicts or complements your existing knowledge or beliefs. You can also test your ideas or solutions with experiments, simulations, or prototypes. System dynamics modeling, causal loop diagrams, or stock and flow diagrams can be used to simulate the behavior and outcomes of your system. Additionally, you can create prototypes or pilots to test your solutions with real users or stakeholders.

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4 # How to apply what you learn

In order to effectively apply systems thinking, it is important to learn from other systems thinkers and avoid cognitive biases. You should define your purpose and scope for using systems thinking, as well as select the appropriate framework, method, or tool that suits your purpose. Additionally, communicating your systems thinking process and results to others is essential. You can use stories, metaphors, visuals, or maps to explain your system, insights, or recommendations. Inviting feedback or collaboration from other stakeholders can also be beneficial. Ultimately, systems thinking is a valuable skill that can help you navigate complexity and uncertainty; however, it is important to remember that it must be adapted and applied to specific situations.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you learn from other systems thinkers and avoid availability bias or anchoring bias?

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1 # What are cognitive biases?

2 # How to learn from other systems thinkers

3 # How to avoid availability bias and anchoring bias

4 # How to apply what you learn

5 Here’s what else to consider

Systems Thinking

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