Assisting organizations to change, grow and develop over the past 25 years has given MetaSystem Consulting Group the opportunity to identify certain consistent patterns in their operating systems. In keeping with our partnership approach to consulting, we have taken these common operating patterns of our clients and developed much of our methodology around them.

1

Single Quanta Action What is the smallest thing you can do that will effect a measurable change? It has been our experience that most organization change efforts focus on trying to change a lot of things at once and require little, if any, individual accountability. This tends to be overwhelming and often ends up in very little happening at all. Also, we have seen that without individual accountability, change is impossible. Therefore, our approach to change is to outline an organizational strategy that focuses on aligned individual actions with measurable impact. We begin with small, achievable actions and gradually build on those successes to create larger change. We have seen time and again that this is how real change begins and evolves.

2

Don't take it personally Everything you see is 'just' information. There is a big difference between 'operational' and 'emotional' issues in the workplace. We have found that many organizational challenges begin with this lack of differentiation. Once people see that what is happening in their environment, either positively or negatively, is information about what they are doing and how they are doing it rather than a judgment on them personally, they have a place to go forward. The focus then becomes the operation of the organization and its issues rather than personal dynamics. It can be a long road, but it leads to concrete, operational success.

3

See the universe in a grain of sand Everything you see is a microcosm of the larger system. Our approach is based upon the premise that systems replicate themselves. For example, if the organization operates in a specific way, either positively or negatively impacting results, then any part of that organization will operate the same way. If you look at the Marketing Team, for example, you should have a small picture of how the organization operates as a whole. At any one time you have information about the whole organization, or system, by looking at and addressing any one part. The benefit: Less investment in diagnosis of problems, and more immediate impact on issues in real time. (This connects directly to #1.)

4

Start at the beginning Relationships, internal/external or leadership/management; begin at the moment of contact. In an effort to expose the real causes of problems or reveal opportunities for organizations to evolve, we explore different layers. We have discovered time and again that if we dig deep enough, potential for both problems and opportunities were present at the very 'beginning'. Awareness of this alleviates a lot of expensive time spent on trying to fix recurring symptoms of a problem. Once you get down to the real causes, then these issues can be addressed and maintained. A band-aid will not cure a viral infection.

5

Sensitivity to initial condition The impact of the initial agreement is exponential. This builds on #4. Whatever happens in the beginning just keeps on growing. If it is clarity and trust within a business deal, that firm foundation supports the partnership through thick and thin. If doubt and negativity accompany the launch of a new project or product, that same darkness seems to follow it throughout its usually problem fraught life. Building awareness of this condition into contracts and agreements creates firm foundations that keep business and relationships strong and on track producing amazing results.

6

You get what you need/you create what you want People/systems attract what they need to support/maintain themselves. What is needed to sustain a system is attracted to it by the nature of the way it exists in its environment. When intention, creativity and strategy are engaged, the people/system can create what they want to manifest.

7

The station is broadcasting whether you're tuned in or not The current system is operating to produce the results you're getting perforce, whether it is acknowledged or not by the system components (you & your colleagues). Developing an awareness of how each of us as individuals, as teams, and as a culture are co-creating the existing system and it's results is a powerful step in developing the changes that will create the results you want going forward. A self-aware system can develop the capacities to become self-regulating, self-adapting, and empowered at all levels. An organization can choose to read the writing on the wall or not.

8

Everything affects everything Individuals, organizations or teams never exist/act in a vacuum. Every "component" in a system has significant interdependent relationships within its system and with other systems. The nature of MetaSystem's work helps people to become aware of these interdependencies, take them into account as they act, and leverage them to get effective results.

9

Mirror, Mirror on the wall Everything is a mirror of itself. All the components of a system are creating information continually and feeding it back through the system. This generates a sort-of house of mirrors in which you can see your own reflection and those of your co-creators. It is a useful competency to learn how to read the likenesses and see what part you are playing; this can be the first step in developing single quanta actions to change the interplay.

10

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree Everything is a manifestation of the primary operating system. The effects that are produced in your organization are produced by the system in which it operates. To get different effects/results that system will have to be modified. Not only does the apple not fall far from the tree, but also if you want orange juice, you'll need a different tree.