Lean Six Sigma SIG: Systems Thinking, Basic Concepts  

Lean Six Sigma SIG Monthly Meeting

Sponsored by:

ASQ Sections 509 (MD & DC) and  511 (N.VA)

DATE:         Wednesday, October 26, 2011

TOPIC:        Systems Thinking, Basic Concepts

SPEAKER:   Mr. Greg Foster, CPS Professional Services

LOCATION:    
1616 Anderson Road McLean, Virginia 22102
Center Conference Room (3rd Floor)  
(See map for directions to TEQCORNER, www.teqcorner.com)
 
TIME:    
6:00-6:45pm - Networking & Pizza
6:45-7:45pm - Program
7:45-8:00pm - LSS SIG Announcements

ADMISSION: Please register at https://asq509.org/ht/d/DoSurvey/i/38891.  Registration is complimentary and ASQ Membership is not required.  Light refreshments will be provided.  Questions can be directed to [email protected]  

TOPIC DESCRIPTION: Systems Thinking, Basic Concepts

Why did we make these particular decisions?  How did we end up in our current state?  Why is it that we always seem to make less than optimal decisions about our future?  These questions can be summarized by the key question in systems thinking, how did we (through our internal thinking, our processes, our practices and our procedures) contribute to or create the circumstances (good or bad) we face now? In this workshop the basic tools and methods for exploring this question are introduced.

Within our organizations, we are often locked into pure linear thinking while exploring the many process-oriented problems we face.  We tend to look only for simple cause-and-effect relationships rather than the more complex relationships at play between the many factors impacting a process/system. Systems thinking is a set of tools and methods that dig deeper into the interrelatedness of the many forces at play in a system, including the very ways that we think.  During our time together we will introduce the basic concepts of systems thinking, focusing on the area of �systems dynamics,� which allows us to pictorially show the relationships between the many influences within a system.  We will also explore the seven thinking modes that are key to shifting into a systems thinking mode.  As organizations begin to explore the dynamics within their own systems conversations can become challenging.  Along with knowledge of systems comes the need for deeper conversations.

This is a highly interactive workshop conducted in small breakout groups and is based on a video case study.  No Powerpoint or lecture is used.

FACILITATOR BIO:  Greg Foster, CPS Professional Services

Greg Foster has over 25 years of experience in the area of quality and process improvement, having worked for a variety of companies in Statistical Process Control, Total Quality Management and now Lean Six Sigma.  He currently works for CPS Professional Services of Fairfax, Virginia.

During the years of 1991-1998 Greg was part of the Berrywood Group which still specializes in leadership development with an emphasis on systems thinking.  While he is experienced in Lean Six Sigma, his personal learning continues to be focused on systems thinking, systems dynamics modelling and its impact on leadership. 

While working with Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), 2005-2006 he started a weekly systems thinking study group for Black Belts and other interested learners, resulting in a small number of NAVAIR Master Black Belts that have co-facilitated with Greg at DoD/Federal CPI symposiums and continue to practice systems thinking as part of their MBB role.

Greg is a 1977 graduate of the US Naval Academy.  Having served for 21 years as a surface warfare officer, he retired from the Naval Reserves with the rank of Commander.  He resides in Sand Springs, Oklahoma (Tulsa) with his wife of 34 years, Terry.  He has two married daughters, a son and his first grandson will be a year old in December.