Welcome

“Systems thinking is a discipline for seeing wholes. It is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeing patterns of change rather than static “snapshots.” It is a set of general principles — distilled over the course of the twentieth century, spanning fields as diverse as the physical and social sciences, engineering, and management…” -Peter Senge

PathTree is a for-value learn/think/teach firm that assists organizations and communities to become more resilient by incorporating whole-systems thinking into every aspect of their enterprise, from strategy to daily operations.

Most of the problems we face today represent a set of interrelated components in broader, more complex systems. These problems cannot be solved in isolation apart from their impacts on the rest of the system; and the attempt to craft  isolated solutions only leads to greater problems elsewhere. In a very real way, it is this old approach to problem-solving that has created the perilous predicament in which we find ourselves today. Whole-systems thinking, by contrast, mimics the behavior of natural systems, which adapt to changing conditions in a flow based on outcomes that benefit the whole.

Critical thinking and problem solving capability rooted in whole-systems understanding is the most important thing organizations and individuals can learn. Without it, their ability to adapt to change is severely limited. With it, vulnerabilities and opportunities are illuminated and greater resilience can be acheived.

Take a few moments to look around. Read through some of the material we’ve posted to the site, and please give us your feedback.