The Whole Systems Approach (WSA):Using the entire system to change and run the business

Álvaro Santamaría PeñalvaLeadership and change management

Index.

1) Introduction.

2) The Whole Systems Approach (WSA).I. What is the Whole Systems Approach?

II. When and where is the WSA used?

III. What are the outcomes from using this method?

IV. What are the expectations of the WSA framework?

V. How does WSA work?

3) Conclusions.

1) Introduction.

STRUCTURING METHODS:

Organize the system to create the desired future.

1. Redefined relationships among people.

2. Redesigned work practices.

1) Introduction (II).

‘Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future’.

(John F. Kennedy)

2) The Whole Systems Approach (WSA).

I. What is the Whole Systems Approach?

Framework for effectively weaving multiple organizational change initiatives into a well-designed, highly effective, coherent whole.

Purpose: To achieve organization-wide change and large-scale employee engagement, buy-in and results through enhanced leadership, and employee commitment and accountability.

Every stakeholder is involved in the process.

II. When and where is the WSA used?

A need to fundamentally change or transform is evident.

A number of existing efforts require integration into a comprehensive whole.

Large-scale engagement of all constituencies is desired.

A new organizational focus is required.

A new possibility could potentially yield significant value or enhanced capability.

Current efforts lack speed, results or broad ownership.

III. What are the outcomes from using this method?1. Increasing leadership

effectiveness.

2. Large-scale engagement.

3. Creating changeable organizations.

4. Producing exceptional business results.

IV. What are the expectations of the WSA framework?

1. To accelerate the speed of change implementation.

2. Stimulate cooperation, engender commitment, and reinforce teamwork.

3. To generate organizational-wide ownership of efforts with all stakeholders.

4. To produce results that could not have been accomplished using traditional methods.

5. To develop organizational self-reliance and resiliency for sustaining a thriving organization.

6. To achieve successful fundamental change and corporate reinvention.

V. How does WSA work?

V. How does WSA work? (II)

V. How does WSA work? (III)

V. How does WSA work? (IV)

3) Conclusions.

Companies need to learn to be adaptable to the changes of the world and the customers.

Communication.

Many years ago, companies were focused on the product and the decissions of the board of directives. Nowadays, they think the customers and the cooperation among the personnel is more important.

These days, concepts such as the motivation of the workers or their training are really important. Thus, people are engaged on the company.

After action reviews; learning and feedback

Ending.

1) Introduction.

2) The Whole Systems Approach (WSA).I. What is the Whole Systems Approach?

II. When and where is the WSA used?

III. What are the outcomes from using this method?

IV. What are the expectations of the WSA framework?

V. How does WSA work?

3) Conclusions.

Thank you for your attention.

Bibliography:

Edited by Holman, P.; Devane, T.; Cady, S.. ‘The change handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today’s Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems’. 2nd ed. rev. and expanded. San Francisco: Berrett-Koehler, 2009. p-441-448. ISBN: 9781576753798.