Designed to Thrive

A practical guide to not only understanding how systems function but what we can do to determine our own paths within. At its core, it's a prompt to be open eyed and inquisitive; a reminder to continually assess the direction envisaged; and to accept core inputs (feedback loops) - all which will ensure that we bring the best of ourselves to the fore, and importantly, that we not lose that best of ourselves to that space we entered. Filled with easy-to-understand examples from an expert in systems dynamics, this is a worthwhile read and should be re-read, each time we enter a new environment, and or question our role and or the direction of the place we work. I do wish I had access to this insight earlier in my career. Anton E. Edmunds, General Manager, Country Dept. Caribbean Gp., Inter-American Development Bank Dr. Gajadhar-Foster provides an insightful exploration into the principles and practice of systems thinking and resilience. She effectively uses real-world examples and personal experience to illustrate complex concepts, and make them accessible, relatable and implementable. She also provides a unique perspective, and practical framework, to encourage the reader to apply these concepts for their professional and personal benefit. From my perspective as an international expert working in developing and strengthening quality infrastructure in developing countries over many years, ""Designed to Thrive"" is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their understanding of systems and practically apply the concepts to create resilient, sustainable systems in both their personal and professional lives. Mike Peet PhD, MBA., International Consultant This book offers an excellent primer on how organizations can become self-correcting and future ready. It demystifies systems thinking in a way that will appeal to various audiences - students, business and thought leaders, and policy makers, with a compelling narrative: resilience arises from deliberate, well-informed design and monitoring of systems. The Author lays the foundation that system attributes of boundaries, interlinkages, and feedback loops apply universally across disciplines and are essential to understanding dynamics within a system and across various systems. Consequently, the complexities of real-world challenges (especially in a digital age) dictate a sustained attention to boundary conditions and how violating them can change the dynamic evolution of systems. In practical terms, the Author concludes that organizations can better anticipate and survive shocks if they embrace the CTS framework of Clarity (on role and purpose), Teamwork (collaborative support networks), and Systems (effective fit-for-purpose linked processes). Looking beyond the business world focus of the book, the text provides a bridging role for advancing resilience concepts and applications in engineering and biology, in explorations of control theory and sustainability science, and for organizational and community leaders interested in translating theoretical frameworks into actionable guides for ""designing to thrive"". Designed to Thrive is timely and highly recommended as an essential read for all interested in resilience as the key to long-term sustainability. Gene Leon, Ph.D., Exec. Director, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity Global appeal! As someone who has been employed in and remains involved in standardisation, I maintain that Dr Alison Gajadhar-Foster is a leading expert on quality infrastructure. Addressing systems and systems thinking from the perspective of the ""soft side"" of a quality infrastructure, is just brilliant. Seeing the big picture, as well as recognizing and managing connections are absolutely necessary for success, resilience and sustainability. If you accept this, then this book is a must read. Betty Combie, Consultant, Moz Inc