
Chapter II—Application: Standard Systems Dynamics 49
Tool #2 #1 Systems Question—Desired Outcomes
Application of Systems Dynamics #6: Multiple-Goal Seeking
Always ask
The #1 Question first
—“What are the desired outcomes?” Since systems
usually have multiple outcomes, this is a more complex question than it looks at first glance.
PRINCIPLE: Systems are multiple-goal seeking.
Develop clarity/agreement to this question before beginning any actions. Keep in mind that
there are usually multiple outcomes; not either/or questions from reductionistic thinking. Other
words for outcomes include
vision, ends, goals, objectives, mission, purpose
(the “what”), et ...