In our personal and professional experiences, we have often come across a striking question: should we approach life's challenges from the perspective of the system, or from the focus on the individual? Both views influence how we make decisions, resolve conflicts, and understand our place in the world. The answer, as we have seen, is not as clear-cut as many hope. Let's walk through these lenses and see which—if any—truly works best.
Understanding systemic thinking
Systemic thinking means seeing life as a web of interconnected patterns. Instead of isolating a single factor or person, we look at how all the parts interact to form the whole. For example, in the workplace, instead of blaming one employee for a recurring problem, we ask ourselves: "What in the structure, habit, or communication flow is allowing this to happen?"
In our view, systemic thinking helps uncover hidden dynamics. It encourages us to ask questions like:
- How do family patterns influence personal choices?
- What organizational norms shape employee behavior?
- Why do social trends seem to repeat across generations?
By shifting perspective from "who" to "what and how," we open possibilities for solutions that treat root causes, not just symptoms.
Everything is connected, even when it doesn't seem so at first glance.
The power of individual focus
Focusing on the individual highlights uniqueness and the power of personal choice. This approach gives priority to personal responsibility, motivation, and self-development. When we use individual focus in coaching, counseling, or leadership, we ask:
- What are this person's strengths?
- How do their emotions, beliefs, and desires shape their behavior?
- What can they do differently to achieve their own goals?
This approach has its own value. It recognizes that, despite influences from outside, each of us can grow, stretch our limits, and leave a mark. In our experience, individual focus brings hope and motivation, even in systemic challenges.
Advantages and limits of systemic thinking
Systemic thinking opens doors to deeper understanding. We have seen firsthand its benefits:
- Solving complex problems that don't respond to simple fixes.
- Spotting recurring patterns that block growth.
- Reducing blame by widening the lens from "who" to "what is happening".
- Encouraging collaboration, as people see themselves as part of something larger.
However, we've also learned its limits:
- It can make people feel powerless—believing "the system is too big for me."
- Sometimes, we might overlook the role of personal will and talent.
- It risks getting too theoretical, losing contact with lived realities.
Strengths and pitfalls of individual focus
Looking at the individual calls us to accountability and growth. When we work one-on-one in coaching or therapy, we have seen how discoveries and breakthroughs happen through:
- Uncovering personal passions and strengths.
- Supporting people in facing difficult emotions or old habits.
- Fostering resilience by reminding people of their own influence on outcomes.
Yet the risks are clear, especially if this focus is used in isolation:
- We may blame people unfairly for problems rooted in history or context.
- People can feel isolated or "defective" if they do not fit 'the norm'.
- There is a danger of ignoring wider forces—family, society, economy—that shape us.
No one grows in a vacuum.
Where these perspectives meet
After years in the field, we have become convinced that neither approach is enough on its own. While systems shape people, people also shape systems. There are remarkable stories of individuals transforming organizations and cultures. At the same time, a single enthusiastic change-maker can struggle against a resistant structure and burn out.
We believe the question is not "which works best?" but rather when and how to use each. For instance:
- In family work, systemic constellation methods help reveal bigger patterns across generations. At the same time, healing starts with a person's readiness to see their unique place in that system.
- In organizational leadership, consciousness-based approaches help leaders align their values with wider purpose and culture. Yet, each member must take responsibility for their own development and impact.
- In society, we see that addressing issues like inequality or sustainability demands systemic change. But those changes begin with the inner journey and actions of individuals.
We find the most lasting results come from weaving the two views:
- Asking systemic questions about context, patterns, and systems
- Supporting personal growth, clarity, and emotional maturity, such as described in the emotional maturity teachings
- Bringing together practical philosophy and systemic reflection to shape decisions that honor both the person and the collective
- Measuring both personal and broader outcomes, looking at impact beyond the individual, as in approaches to human valuation
Conclusion: balancing the whole and the part
Over time, we have recognized that both systemic thinking and individual focus are tools. They serve us best when we know which to use—and when to blend them. If we focus only on systems, we risk losing the voice and power of the person. If we focus only on the individual, we may miss the deeper causes and shared responsibilities.
The true art is in seeing how personal actions ripple through systems, and how systems shape what is possible for the person.
Growth happens at the meeting point of self and system.
The most meaningful change arises when we connect self-awareness with awareness of the whole. That's where transformation takes root—in each of us, and in the world around us.
Frequently asked questions
What is systemic thinking?
Systemic thinking is a way of understanding life by focusing on connections, relationships, and patterns between different parts of a whole. Rather than isolating problems or people, it looks at how contexts, histories, and structures interact to influence outcomes. This approach helps see root causes and hidden dynamics rather than just surface issues.
How does individual focus work?
Individual focus centers on the unique qualities and personal responsibility of each person. It involves looking at specific emotions, beliefs, and choices, and supporting people in discovering their own strengths, values, and potential for change. This approach works best when development and motivation start from within.
When to use systemic thinking?
We recommend using systemic thinking especially when facing problems that seem persistent or shared across a group. For example, when a family pattern repeats, or an organizational challenge resists simple solutions, this lens can reveal connections and influences that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Is systemic thinking more effective?
Systemic thinking can be very effective for understanding and addressing complex situations, but it is not always the best choice alone. Some situations call for personal intervention, while others benefit more from mapping the wider system. Both methods have a place and work well together.
Can both approaches be combined?
Yes, combining systemic thinking and individual focus usually brings the richest results. By understanding patterns in relationships or organizations, and also nurturing individual growth, we open doors to deeper, longer-lasting change for people and the groups they are part of.
