Seeing Systems

by Barry Oshry

Book Overview

In this extensively revised and updated edition of his classic book, Barry Oshry shows how we can transform "system blindness" into "system sight," enabling us to live and work together in productive partnership. Based on more than thirty years of research and packed with illustrative cases and solid systems theory on human interaction, Seeing Systems provides a penetrating look at the dynamics of systems and a unique foundation for revolutionizing...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1881052737
• ISBN13: 9781881052739
• Release Date: January 1995
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 7.6" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A practical look into organizational dynamics

Barry Oshry has given us a great gift with his entire body of work on power and systems. This book, Seeing Systems, is an excellent and practical example. There are several things that work well for me with this book. First is the refreshing and unique style that Barry chooses to present the information. He makes it easy to relate to and spells out the dynamics of complex interactions with a well crafted story. Second is that this body of work is the foundation for some internal training at my company. It receives excellent reviews because it really helps individuals see their role in the organization and offers practical approaches that are far more effective than the norm.

WOW! What insight.

As an organization change and transformation practitioner, I am often confronted with the initial overwhelming complexity of a new client organization. Seeing Systems provided me with a set of tools that make my life easier and interventions more effective.Simplistic? One might think so. But, you'd be wrong. I believe it to be a distillation of truths of organization theory. It's pure genius. The author understands organizations so well he is able to convey it to others in an understandable context. Oshry brings to life the consequences of being in different positions of power in the organization.I have taken his model and use it to look at each of my clients. It gives significant insight to understand why the organization works; why it doesn't and what to do.Read Seeing Systems atleast twice. After the first reading, go to work. What are the behaviors? How effective are the relationships? What are the outcomes? Now read Seeing Systems again. Go back into your organization. Observe the relationships. Apply the model. Predict the outcomes. You'll probably be right. Can't ask much more from a book.By the way, after reading Seeing Systems, I participated in a one-day workshop Oshry presented to the Dallas-Fort Worth Organization Development Network. I wasn't disappointed. He is, that good.

Human Systems are Keys to Partnership and collaboration

I first struggled with the concepts because I am a student of organizational systems via Deming and the like. But this is a completely different viewpoint that provides a fantastic complement to the work of Deming, Weisbord and others looking at Open-systems theory. If you want to see the impact of Human Systems and the dynamics that influence an organizations ability to partner, collaborate, and move beyond the powerful vaccuum of the human behaviors that stall organizational growth, this will provide a whole new way to view the relationships of people, power, and personal leadership within open-systems.Mr. Cummings is right about the simplicity of the book in his review, it IS cartoon like at places. But let's be reminded how icons have changed the computer world and have worked to connect with people who need to remember things clearly, simply, and practically. People are visual learners and this book takes advantage of that reality. It's not written to be an IQ test - but to be clear and concise in boiling down the intricate and delicate issues, and choices, of human interaction in organizations. It focuses on helping the reader learn and apply. If that works for you - make it so.

Truly points out why organizations are not fully aligned.

As a 20 year professional in Organization Development, this book illuminates one of the most frustrating elements of a change agent...the ability to have the client or target experience their own responsibility for the current situation. Without that, one is powerless to effect productive change. One can still effect change, but it will be retaliatory or not understood in the context needed to allow people to see the issue clearly and not as a result of someone elses opinion.This book clearly illustrates these concepts and more and is a must read for everyone who wants to facilitate change effectively and productively.Isn't that everyone.

A "must read" for anyone in organizations or relationships

Barry Oshry provides an insight into what he terms the "dance of blind reflex"; those patterns of behaviors we experience in organizations or relationships of any kind. He writes in a conversational tone which allows one to observe their less-than-desirable patterns of behavior and offers a choice. He reinforces that we can change the "dance" but it starts with being able to see the "dance" first. His book is a great start