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Smart Friends

#077 Alex Komoroske: Systems Thinking, Builders vs Gardeners, and Working In Large Organizations

Jul 18, 2024
Alex Komoroske, a systems thinker from Google, discusses systems thinking, builders vs. gardeners, AI potentials, and book recommendations. He emphasizes the importance of influencing systems, navigating complexity in organizations, and balancing short-term actions with a long-term vision. The podcast touches on topics like the adjacent possible in design thinking, business innovation insights, and the future of technology.
01:20:53

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Quick takeaways

  • Systems thinking emphasizes nurturing diverse ideas for successful outcomes in organizations.
  • Incremental growth from small functioning units is more effective than centralized grand strategies.

Deep dives

Gardening Systems Thinking in Organizations

Gardening systems thinking involves nurturing diverse ideas to cultivate successful outcomes, analogous to planting acorns that may grow into significant developments. It emphasizes adapting to changing circumstances and fostering a thriving ecosystem of ideas within organizations. By supporting organic growth and addressing constraints like the 'magic of acorns,' individuals can influence the system without imposing top-down directives.

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