You now likely understand that systems cannot be controlled and are only understandable in the most general sense.

The good news is there are simple steps that will help you better understand and navigate the world of systems and increase their efficiency. First, it is helpful to observe how a system behaves by learning about its history and collecting information. The world is filled with misconceptions, and the more data we have, the better judgement calls we can make. As an example, while you might think prices are going up, they could very well be going down.

Once you have collected the data, you should write down how the system in question works, nothing its functions and structural arrangements. This will help you check and double check that your models are complete, logical and are consistent.

The next step is distributing the information in the system. In general, for a system to properly function its information needs to be distributed. So, the more timely, accurate, and complete the information, the better and smoother the system will run.

While going through this process you should pay attention to what is important, both in terms of measurable and non-measurable factors. That is because human beings tend to place more value on the quantity and less on quality as the numbers are easier to measure and relate to. But things such as justice, democracy, security, and freedam are all essential also, even though they cannot be quantitatively studied.

It's also critical to notice how a system may produce its own behavior. In order to do so we need to keep these questions in mind:

Which external and internal influences produce specific behaviors? Can these factors be controlled?

Once you have answered these questions you will be able to see where the responsibility lies in your system as well as how actions are made and what consequences they will have. As an example, if you are upset about a flight being delayed and you ask yourself these things you will be much less likely to vent out your frustration on an innocent stewardess.