In Systems Thinking, we often talk about how the cure can be worse than the disease, specifically when we don't take a holistic perspective into account when seeking to solve a complex problem.
Known as the Law of Unintended Consequences, when non-systemic approaches are used for addressing complex problems, there are often unintended and unwanted outcomes that can result in even greater problems than were initially attempting to be dealt with.
Good intentions don't always lead to good outcomes. This is what we learn from the real-life cautionary tale of the cats airdropped by the United Nations into Borneo...
Does this make you think of a recent decision made that you had the power of hindsight on? That, after the intervention was done, the reality of the cause and effect was seen? Systems Thinking is a vital tool to help avoid unintended consequences, and it is a critical part of effective decision making.
Reach out to find out how Disrupt Design can help you integrate a more holistic decision-making approach to your organisation's activities.