Systems Thinking: Individual vs Collective

Let’s get some of our biases out of the way. I’m heavily oriented toward individualism. Nonetheless, I recognize that there are not just other perspectives, but that in certain instances collective thinking is actually more effective than individualistic orientation. 

Now, people, teams, communities, and even countries can have leanings in either direction. Geert Hofstede even developed a famous ‘cultural dimensions theory’ that uses individualism orientation and collectivist orientation to understand cultural leanings. The value system of the United States, for example, is classically dominant towards individualism while Spain, for example, trends toward collectivism. China would score more dramatically collectivist than Spain and so on. 

This is important information when navigating problems of different kinds. Naturally, certain problems are more naturally solved with collective thinking, while others benefit from a more individualistic mindset. It wouldn’t take a giant leap to see how the largely collective problem that is COVID-19 could conflict with a population of individualistic thinkers, for example. 

All this is to say, if you personally or your work team is struggling with a particular problem that seems to persist, do some evaluation. Note you or your team’s individual vs. collective leanings. Then, note the perspective that is best suited for the challenge at hand. 

Once you know your bias and understand the type of challenge you face, you can take on the opposing perspective (albeit collectivist or individualistic) and consider what the advantages are from that vantage point. Soon you may undermine your unhelpfully held stance in this particular instance. 

Logan Gelbrich
@functionalcoach