See new Public Health and Contagious Diseases section below
HOW TO UNDERSTAND A SYSTEMS MAP
The maps which appear on our website were created by public sector leaders in response to a workplace issue.
The maps were created by groups of people who are getting results they would like to improve or change. Building the systems map together helped the leaders better understand how the current system is working from multiple perspectives before making assumptions about what needs to be fixed or changed.
The variables which appear on a map are dynamic they are always going up or down, increasing or decreasing. It is advisable when creating a systems map to describe the variables in a neutral way (for example; level of conflict versus positive or negative conflict). This makes it easy to interpret the map over time since a change in one of the variables can cause the other variables to move dynamically in the opposite direction. The highest point of leverage is the variable the group selects after analysis as the best place in the systems map to take action and invest resources. The goal is generally to change the outcomes the system is currently producing.
Working as a group to build the systems map helps the team to better understand why they are getting the results they are getting. This strategic process encourages the group to identify the highest point of leverage for change in the system and invest resources at that point to achieve the desired outcomes.
Click on the following “Why” Questions to Review the Corresponding Systems Map (PDF)
Civic Engagement: Redefining the Modern Town Hall Meeting
Why are we unable to engage a larger segment of citizens in the decision-making process?
Why does a small, vocal minority have influence over decisions, staff, and resources?
Climate Change
Why is air pollution increasing?
Why is global climate changing?
Why are global temperatures rising?
Why are global temperatures rising?
Why is there a reduction in forests?
Customer Service Internal and External
Why is the quality of customer service not where we want it to be?
Why do we struggle to meet internal customer / end user expectations?
Why have we been unable to meet the current citizen expectations?
Why do we struggle to complete our work in alignment with original customer expectations?
Why are we unable to communicate timely, consistent information to our end users?
Why have we been unable to facilitate housing options that are reflective of our citizens’ needs?
Governance Systems Structures and Partnerships
Why does conflict become entrenched?
Why are we unable to work collectively and effectively between departments?
Why are certain segments of the organization resistant to change?
Why is the office of senior leadership & administration disorganized?
Why are we unable to address operational issues after they have been identified?
Land Use, Zoning and Planning
Why do we have more zoning variances than any other community in the state?
Why is it so difficult for cities to protect historical assets?
Public Health and Contagious Diseases
Why are we unable to control the spread of contagious diseases in Nursing homes?
Resources and Budgets
Why Don’t Cities & Towns Make Full Use of Government Grants?
Why is it so difficult to get budget support for road maintenance and preventative investments?
Why do we continue to struggle with healthcare costs?
Why do we have a low quality budget process?
Schools and Education
Why is there a loss of instruction due to teachers being absent?