Last weekend, while driving back to Tampere, I had the opportunity to dive into an insightful podcast from the series Systems and Cybernetics on the New Books Network. The episode featured an interview with Pete Barbrook-Johnson and Alexandra (Alex) S. Penn, co-authors of the book Systems Mapping: How to Build and Use Causal Models of Systems, published in 2022 by Palgrave MacMillan. The book is available open access.
The podcast is a rich 50-minute discussion that delves into the practical aspects of systems mapping, and here are a few key takeaways that resonated with me:
- Actionable Insights Beyond Mapping: The authors emphasize that systems mapping should go beyond just creating complex diagrams. They advocate for using these maps to generate actionable insights, addressing the critical questions of “so what?” and “now what?” This approach helps avoid the overwhelm that often accompanies detailed maps and ensures that the maps are tools for decision-making and strategy design.
- Participatory Process: A significant point discussed was the participatory nature of systems mapping. Engaging different stakeholders in the mapping process can build ownership, create a shared narrative, and link the maps with the scenarios we are developing. The value, it seems, lies as much in the process as in the final product.
- Accessible to All: One encouraging takeaway from the discussion was that you don’t need a deep understanding of cybernetics, complexity science, or systems thinking to create valuable systems maps. These maps can serve as an entry point into these domains, but prior knowledge isn’t a prerequisite. It’s more about diving into the process and seeing what insights emerge.