[DSRP Evidence](https://dsrpevidence.org/)

# Developing Personal Mastery in Systems Thinking

## Details

**Authors** Cabrera D, Cabrera L

**Year** 2023

**Publisher** Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-39

**Kind of work** article

[Read it at the publisher](https://doi.org/10.54120/jost.0000043) 
10.54120/jost.0000043

## In authors' words

### Abstract

Senge (1990) first popularized the term ‘personal mastery’, but neglected to include the majority of the systems thinking, opting instead to equate systems thinking with a single framework (system dynamics). Thus ‘personal mastery in systems thinking’ became little more than ‘personal mastery in systems dynamics.’ Three factors lead us to conclude that the prescribed path to personal mastery in systems thinking must change significantly. This chapter posits that ‘personal mastery’ is reflected in the attitudes, skills, and dispositions required of an individual systems thinker (a.k.a., personal mastery). It also sets forth a clear path—made up of three levels—that one can follow to develop personal mastery of systems thinking.

## Commentary

### Response

Published in the Handbook of Systems Thinking (Cabrera, Cabrera & Midgley, eds., 2023), a volume built on the premise that systems thinking now has a universal theory—DSRP-484. Its contents were selected on that basis by its editorial team in concert with a team of advisors.

## Refers to

- [Handbook of Systems Thinking](https://dsrpevidence.org/element/382)

**How to cite this** Cabrera D, Cabrera L (2023). Developing Personal Mastery in Systems Thinking. Journal of Systems Thinking 3(1):1-39.