Successful Thinking is Structural Thinking

Life could be simple: Figure out how life works, then work it

Well, the simple truth is that we really can't exactly figure out how life works, but Structural Thinking takes us a long way. A lot of times metaphysics tempts us to think a few basic cosmic rules will make it all happen. For example, the Law of Attraction says that if you picture something you want often enough, and intensely enough, it will come to you. I have a different question, "If you get it, will it do it for you?" We often don't think very far ahead, but structural thinking can teach us how.

Structural thinking does, however, explain much of 'how things work' ---from literature, to art, to music, to business, to interpreting the written word. It relates to parenting, coaching, spirituality, love, communication, and sporting events.

What is Structure

Structure is a combination of two essential things:

1. Elements

2. Relationships

Structure is the relationship established between two or more elements. Now this isn't a perfect definition, but it is a working one. Structural Thinking is about understanding the elements and the relationships involved in anything. Think about language, for example. In Matthew 18 these words occur, "seventy times seven." Now, that means something very specific (490). However, if we move the words around (SAME elements DIFFERENT relationships) we can write, "seventy seven times." Clearly 490 does not equal 77.

Structural thinking can be appreciated with music, where musical notes (elements) and the different order (and pace, etc.) create a specific and unique piece of music. Different musical instruments create different kind of bands or ensembles, etc. Different was of organizing a committee or a company does the same thing! Elements placed in relationships create a structure. Structural Thinking teaches us how to analyze and intentionally change the structures around us.

Structure Determines Behavior?

Robert Fritz, my mentor in this discipline and the originator of Structural Consulting, describes the nature of structure with the example of a riverbed. The bed of the river creates a path which the water follows. He calls this the path of least resistance. This is not the negative we usually think of, rather it is just the most efficient way for the water to travel. In other words, the river behaves as the riverbed determines.

The same principle holds true in relationships, organizations, and even in how with think, feel, and act. Understanding the structure of a particular interest allows you to know the 'why' behind the behavior. Knowing structural thinking let's you change the structure in order to change what happens.

Everything in this site, every offering we have, every bit of insight includes an understanding of the nature of structure. Have you ever noticed how some books, some movies, some TV shows work...while others don't? Have you ever noticed how some organizations work while others do not? It all can be explained with Structural Dynamics...and it can be corrected structurally as well (much like the Corps of Engineers can change a riverbed). If you have an interest in learning more about structural dynamics and structural thinking, or employing our variety technologies and solutions to your life, business, or organization; then, please contact us or go to www.trimtabsolutions.com for more details.

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