#348

Mentioned in 70 episodes

Thinking in systems

A Primer

Book • 2008

Donella Meadows

This book introduces readers to systems thinking, a critical skill for 21st-century life.

It explains how to understand and interact with complex systems, highlighting the importance of internal system structures and feedback loops.

The book is divided into sections on system structures and behavior, the relationship between systems and humans, and strategies for creating change within systems.

It aims to help readers develop a deeper understanding of systems to address global issues such as climate change, poverty, and social inequalities.

Mentioned by

Diana Montalion

Hari Srinivasan

Nickey Skarstad

Mentioned in 70 episodes

Recommended by

Matt MacInnis

as the best generic framework for thinking about how systems work.

10 contrarian leadership truths every leader needs to hear | Matt MacInnis (Rippling)

Mentioned by

Bill Gurley

as a book on system level thinking.

Bill Gurley - The Gift and The Curse of Staying Private - [Invest Like the Best, EP.427]

Recommended by

Alex Komoroske

as a short, approachable book on systems thinking.

Thinking like a gardener not a builder, organizing teams like slime mold, the adjacent possible, and other unconventional product advice | Alex Komoroske (Stripe, Google)

Recommended by

Will Larson

as a phenomenal book on systems thinking.

The engineering mindset | Will Larson (Carta, Stripe, Uber, Calm, Digg)

Mentioned by

Dan Koe

as a pretty good basic introduction to systems and systems thinking.

I'm 29. Here's How To Not Waste Your 20s.

Mentioned by

Kyle Grieve

as his first introduction to systems thinking.

TIP773: How Systems and Simple Math Shape Better Investing w/ Kyle Grieve

Mentioned by

Alex Komoroske

when discussing the dynamics of systems and the need to 'dance with' them.

Intentional Tech: Designing AI for Human Flourishing | Alex Komoroske

Mentioned by

Stephen Zerfas

in reference to a chapter about information flow and its impact on system equilibrium.

Attaining A Jhana Live: How Anyone Can Achieve Super Wellbeing

Mentioned by

Brooks Duncan

as a great book about systems thinking that both he and

Tam Pham

have read.

Systems Thinking for Productivity: Why Goals Fail & Systems Win (TPS595)

Referenced by

Diana Montalion

regarding the application of systems and natural systems to tech challenges.

#219 - Why Learning Systems Thinking is Essential in Tech - Diana Montalion

Recommended by

Joe Buleg

as a foundational text for understanding systems thinking.

135: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

Recommended by

Hari Srinivasan

as a good book about systems thinking.

LinkedIn’s product evolution and the art of building complex systems | Hari Srinivasan (LinkedIn)

Mentioned by

Cory Hixson

and

Mike Schmitz

as a primer on systems thinking, focusing on system structure, behavior, and how to intervene in systems for change.

136: Thinking in Systems by Donella Meadows

Mentioned by Katie Shields as a posthumously published work by Dana Meadows.

S7 E9: At the Tipping Point

Referenced by

Rachel Musson

as a helpful resource with a website and book.

Exploring the inconvenience of systems thinking

Mentioned by

Benjamin Hardy

as a great book about how all human systems are also shaped by goals and have purposes.

SPI 881: The Science of Scaling with Dr. Benjamin Hardy

Mentioned by

Diana Montalion

, referencing her work on systems thinking and leverage points.

Why Traditional Software Development Approaches Struggle In The Modern Day | Diana Montalion In The Engineering Room Ep. 36

Mentioned by

Charles Humble

as a classic text on systems thinking, containing a quote he likes.

SE Radio 655: Charles Humble on Professional Skills for Software Engineers

Recommended by

Nickey Skarstad

for its insights into systems thinking and its application to product development.

Nickey Skarstad (Airbnb, Etsy, Shopify, Duolingo) on translating vision into goals, operationalizing product quality, second-order decisions, brainstorming, influence, and much more

Mentioned by

Cory Hixson

as a primer on systems thinking.

197: Super Thinking by Gabriel Weinberg & Lauren McCann

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