Big Picture Thinking has to do with providing the clearest understanding of a problem, question, issue, change or whatever the event is along with the consequent effects. Decision-makers, including consultants (ask your consulting firm if they use the FoRSE™) should have as comprehensive a picture as possible before moving on a decision. As mentioned in previous blogs, Big Picture Thinking comprises 3 main categories called “system clusters”: Purposes, Form or Design and Infrastructure.
Big(ger) picture understanding is about asking the right questions to gain a clear picture in terms of the effects of the system clusters on each element. Only when we fully understand how each action, activity, decision or product affects the individual, the community, and the organizational principles can we really gauge the ripple effects of our actions. In this publication we will discuss the effects of form or design on the community, whether within the organization or at large. Key questions to ask in this consideration follow.
What desire or perceived need does this fulfill?
Business exists because it provides fulfillment of a perceived need. This question is meant to understand the product, problem, service or action from the perspective of employees or from customers. Does your new activity, product, or initiative fulfill a desire or wishes of the public or in-house? Is there something that people want that you are able to give to them?
What are the positive and negative effects on the community?
You must really think about the effects that your decision or action or product will have on the community. Will it employ people or put them out of work? Will it rouse them to action? Will it create protest? Will it even harm some people’s wellbeing? Don’t just limit yourself to the local community either. Think about your corporate community and the global one as well. Do you know the outcomes of your decisions, actions or products in the short and long term, and their effects on morale, wellbeing, productivity, unity?
What are the positive and negative effects on the environment?
The environment is equally as important as the people in it, so you must also take into account the effects on it from your actions or decisions or products. What effects will the decision have on the physical environment, whether it’s local or global? Will they be positive over the long run, or simply a short initiative that leaves issues to be dealt with by others in the future? In a rising, more globally conscientious population, the sustainability of positive, long range effects on the environment will be, and are, paramount to your business success.
Gaining Big(ger) Picture Thinking is about asking the right questions in a frame of understanding that takes into consideration all the elements for decision-making. When it comes to the form or the design, you need to ask yourself about the potential effects on the local, corporate, and global community. These are the key questions to ask if you want to truly understand the ripple effects of your decisions. Only the FoRSE™ Matrix is able to provide your business or organization with the necessary tools to see broadly and deeply into the systemic demands and outcomes of your decision-making and actions.
